Ireland CU taps into schools to build community loyalty

CLONMEL, Ireland – The Clonmel Credit Union looks to the youth and has a school zone on their Web site www.clonmel.cu. As they say it’s a place for schools to put “stuff” on. Visitors to the site can learn about the German exchange program, the Tipperary Business and Development Institute, the school children who won the Credit Union Quiz contest, a savings stamp scheme and a talent contest. The quiz, which is held every February, attracts 16 schools in their common bond area. Contestants are divided by age and receive cash prizes. Winners go on to the All-Ireland finals sponsored by The Irish League of Credit Unions. As Manager Tony Brosnan (no relation to Pierce) says, “when we set up our Web-site last year we invited local schools to link-up and keep the good relations that we have with local schools going. The kids of today are our members of tomorrow.” Members of St. Luke’s Hospital founded Clonmel Credit Union in June 1963. Its members are drawn from a 12-mile radius of the center of Clonmel which has a population of about 24,500 potential members. The credit union has assets of 46 Million Irish Punts (US$53 million).