Brendan Jenkins from Clones has been elected President of the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU). A long-standing member of Clones Credit Union, which he joined nearly 40 years ago, he first served as Director of the credit union for 11 years, before serving as Manager / CEO until his retirement in June 2024. Clones holds a special place in the history of the credit union movement in Ireland, with being the first credit union to open outside Dublin in 1959. Clones also played a significant role in the formation of the 'Credit Union League of Ireland', as the ILCU was known back in 1960, with the League's first President, Fr. Paddy Gallagher, coming from Clones. Another Clones man, Mr. Jim McMahon, also held the Presidency of the ILCU between 2000 & 2002.
Brendan has a long-standing involvement in his local community, working with various community groups, the Chamber of Commerce, festival committees, Largy College and with the Scouting movement for many years. His proudest community involvement was his role in forming both the Clones Hospice Movement and the County Monaghan Hospice Movements, which provide support for cancer patients and their families.
Speaking on his election, Brendan Jenkins said; "Credit unions are cornerstones of every community across the island and provide critical supports every day to help ordinary people to make ends meet. While others focus on maximising profits, we make decisions at local level, based on what is best for our members and the communities which we serve. I am honoured to have been elected President of the ILCU and look forward to working collaboratively with the executive team and board to support credit unions across Ireland in realising their full potential for the benefit of their members and local communities."
