Author: Kathryn Dalton

Photography Competition for our 2024 Calendar

The theme for our 2024 calendar is ‘You & Your Community’

This theme includes any image that you think captures ‘You and Your Community’. Get snapping and be in with a chance to win a cash prize and feature in our calendar.

The winner of our photography competition will receive €200 and be the feature photograph on the front of our calendar; 12 runners-up will receive €25 each and their photo will be chosen to represent a month in our calendar.

Photographs must be taken within the common bond of Kilmallock Credit Union Ltd. Our common bond includes the following areas: Kilmallock, Charleville, Kilfinane, Athlacca, Ardpatrick, Ballyagran, Ballyhea, Ballyorgan, Broadford, Bruree, Bulgaden, Churchtown, Dromin, Dromina, Drumcollogher, Fedamore, Feenagh, Freemount, Garryspillane, Glanmore, Granagh, Hospital, Kilmeedy, Knocklong, Liscarroll, Manister, Meanus, Milford, Newtownshandrum, Tullylease. Click here to see the map of our common bond.

About the Competition

Photos need to be landscape format and emailed to kilmallockcucalendar@gmail.com. Photo must come with a title, photographers name, address and phone number. Please state clearly, where the photograph was taken. Closing dates for entries is Friday 3rd November 2023 at 6pm.

You can enter as often as you like!

Photograph Criteria

Photos must be supplied in landscape format and must be a minimum of 2,400 x 3,000 pixels in digital format or have a minimum file size of 2.5MB and no greater than 5MB.

Photo themes can be any image that you think captures ‘Your & Your Community’; such as:

  • Scenic and landscape
  • Community
  • Nature & animals
  • At work (farming & industry)
  • People – Please note: if you wish to use any people in your photos, you must have their permission for inclusion and publication.
  • Curiosity/Other

Please note: You do not need to be a member of Kilmallock Credit Union Ltd to enter the competition.

Closing dates for entries is close of business on the Friday 3rd November 2023 at 6pm.
For a full list of terms and conditions please click here.

The Credit Union Art Competition is Now Open!

The Credit Union Art Competition 2023 has landed! The theme for this year’s Credit Union Art Competition is ‘My Community & Me’. This year’s theme gives participants the opportunity to present their own interpretation of what their community means to them.

The competition invites participants to create artworks that depict the theme and explore through their own unique lens the beauty and wonder of their Community and portray that on paper or canvass.

The competition has two categories – General Category and Additional Needs Category – with the following age groups in each category:

  • 7 years and under
  • 8-10 years inclusive
  • 11-13 years inclusive
  • 14-17 years inclusive
  • Adult – 18 years and over

The closing date for entries is Friday October 20th at 6pm.

Click here to Download the Entry form

Full Time Teller Vacancy

Kilmallock Credit Union Ltd is an affiliated member of the Irish League of Credit Unions. We have been in service to our community since 1963 and continue to offer a financial alternative to our members. We offer a forward looking, progressive financial co-operative with access to finance for all of our members. As part of our commitment to deliver on our strategic goals and deliver the best service to our members, we are recruiting a Full Time Teller to assist us in achieving our goals.

The role will be accountable to the Assistant Manager of the credit union for carrying out a range of administrative and operational activities that contribute to the effective running of the credit union.

The ideal candidate should have

  • Very strong IT skills- Proficiency in MS Office is required
  • Excellent administration skills, numerical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
  • Training will be available to supplement existing knowledge and experience, ideally the candidate should hold at a minimum a Leaving Certificate/ Fetac/QQI/Level 5/6 qualification and be willing to engage in further education.
  • Cash handling experience would be an advantage but not essential
  • Applicants must hold a full current Driving Licence and have the use of a car as the position will require travelling to and from sub offices.
  • The person must be a team player with strong interpersonal skills. Familiarity with the ethos and practices of the credit union movement is desired.
  • Fluent English is essential.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Processing of membership transactions and member account opening applications
  • Accurately and diligently handling of cash; reconcile balances and account for any inconsistencies
  • Responding to member queries on a day-to-day basis at the front counter and through online channels
  • Processing loan applications and/or refers to senior lending staff where appropriate
  • Attend training and meetings, reports on assigned areas of responsibility as required or requested
  • Work always in a courteous, friendly, and professional manner, preserving confidentiality, data protection legislation and maintain up to date knowledge of all policies and procedures of the Credit Union.
  • Contribute to a pleasant workplace atmosphere through teamwork
  • Complete other duties as assigned.

Please forward applications with cover letter

  • via email to manager@kilmallockcu.ie
  • or by post to Kilmallock Credit Union, Lord Edward St, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick

Closing Date for applications Friday 4th August 2023

Canvassing will disqualify.

2023 ILCU Back to School Survey Findings

The Credit Union Back to School Tracker 2023 shows significant increase in parents feeling financial burden of children going back to school.

The Irish League of Credit Unions has published the results of its annual School Costs survey, tracking the costs and impacts of children returning to school. 723 parents (out of a sample size of 2,510) from across Ireland responded to the survey, which was conducted by i-Reach Insights during June.

ILCU Back to School Tracker – Results 2023

The impact of the cost-of-living crisis is very evident this year with a significant increase in the number of parents saying they are under financial pressure with the costs of children returning to school. 72% of parents say that covering the costs of back to school is a financial burden compared to 66% in 2022. Despite this, the amount being spent per child on back-to-school costs has fallen compared to last year and the average debt burden has also fallen.

  • 72% of parents say the cost of Back to School is a financial burden
  • Parents are spending €1,152 per primary school child (2022: €1,195)
  • Parents are spending €1,288 per secondary school child (2022: €1518)
  • Extra-curricular activities is the top expense for primary schools (€191)
  • School Books (€187) is the top expense for secondary schools
  • More than 1 in 4 (29%) say they get into debt covering back to school costs.
  • The average debt amount is €306 (down €33 vs 2022) with 17% having debts over €500
  • 70% of parents believe that schools don’t do enough to keep the costs of going back to school down
  • 75% of schools ask for a ‘voluntary’ contribution

Free Primary School Book Scheme

Despite schools being responsible for informing parents of the Free Primary School Books Scheme nearly half of parents surveyed did not know about it. Introduced by Government earlier this year, the scheme removes the costs of schoolbooks, including workbooks and copybooks for children attending recognized primary schools and special schools.

  • 49% of parents have not been informed of the Free Primary School Books Scheme
  • Of those parents who do not know about the scheme, 39% say they will buy their children’s primary school books outright
  • 92% of parents think the new Free Primary Books Scheme will reduce their back to school costs, with 2 in 5 (40%) saying costs will reduce a lot
  • More than 9 in 10 (92%) want the free books scheme extended to secondary schools

Cost of Living Impacts

A majority of households (88%) are experiencing cost of living increases. Of parents with school going children, 88% also said they have been affected by general cost of living increases. Many parents are using savings to cover these extra costs, while 13% are seeking loans. Slightly more parents (40% compared to 38% of general respondents) are cutting back on activities to save money.

  • 88% of respondents have been affected by rising costs of living since the start of 2023, including 88% of parents with children in school.
  • A third of parents (33%) with school children are dipping into their savings to cover cost of living increases
  • Almost 1 in 5 (18%) of parents of school children are trying to earn additional income.
  • 13% of respondents, including 13% of parents with school children, are taking out loans to cover rising costs, with 2% using Payday / moneylender services
  • 2 in 5 (40%) of parents of school children have cancelled or reduced non-essential activities to save money
  • Increasing costs of food for school lunches (57%) is the biggest effect of the rising cost of living followed by increasing costs for school trips / activities (47%) and uniform costs (43%)
  • 63% of parents shop online for school books. Saving money is the reason given by 61% of these parents.

We are Here to Help!

Take a look at our 6% (6.18% APR) education loan to help with those Back-to-School expenses.

Credit Unions ranked as Number One in 2023 RepTrak® study

Credit unions have been ranked as number one among the top one hundred most highly regarded organisations in Ireland, in the Ireland RepTrak® 2023 annual study. Credit Unions have consistently featured in the top two of the annual study for the past five years.

The Ireland RepTrak® 2023 annual study is based on a survey of more than 5,500 members of the public which gathered data on the levels of trust, respect, admiration and esteem they have for organisations in Ireland.

In achieving the top spot in the 2023 study, credit unions took the top spot overall as the most reputable organisation in Ireland with an excellent Reputation Pulse score of 82.8. credited with being a cornerstone of local communities with over 3.6 million members. The public acknowledged the trust that members place in their local credit union and their friendly people focused approach.

Commenting on the study, David Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions said, “The results of the 2023 RepTrak study are a significant achievement for the credit union sector, and once again a recognition of the role that we play in communities across Ireland. We are delighted with the results, which positions us as a leader among some of the most prominent organisations and household names in Ireland.

“The RepTrak survey emphasises attributes such as trust and respect, which are core to the ethos of credit unions which are locally owned, and, or managed. With over 3,000 Credit Union employees and 2,300 volunteers, we are proud to be at the heart of communities nationwide working towards a more inclusive society, where no one is left behind.

As we look to the future and the development of our offering to communities, this achievement is an important barometer of the sectors success to date and future opportunity for credit unions and those that we serve across Ireland“

Easter 2023 Opening Hours

Please note our Easter opening hours for this year.

DATEKILMALLOCKCHARLEVILLEKILFINANE
Thursday 6th10am-5.30pm10am-5.30pm2pm-5.30pm
Friday 7thClosedClosedClosed
Saturday 8th10am-2pm10am-2pmClosed
Monday 10thClosedClosedClosed
Tuesday 11th10am-5.30pm10am-5.30pm

Don’t forget our online services are available 24/7.

Wishing all our members a Happy Easter

Where will you be spending St. Patrick’s Day?

Our national celebration has become an international celebration with so many incredible parades and parties in cities all around the world. Here’s a list of some of these colourful celebrations to get you thinking of where you could be spending St. Patrick’s Day this March?

New York

St. Patrick’s Day parade is the oldest and largest in the world, with an estimated two million attending each year. It showcases over 150,000 marchers; including firefighters, military, police groups, bands, social, cultural clubs, county associations and performers who parade down Fifth Avenue for up to five hours; with plenty of celebrations continuing after.

Chicago

Chicago is famous for hosting one of the most impressive St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world! Each year, the Chicago River is dyed a vibrant shade of emerald green, followed by the parade which features lots of elaborate floats, bands, bagpipers, Irish dancers and much more.

Tokyo, Japan

First held in 1992, the Tokyo parade is the largest of several parades around Japan and has evolved into a glorious mix of traditional Japanese stylized dress with Irish costumes.

Cabo Roig, Spain

On the southern Costa Blanca in eastern Spain, this picturesque Spanish outpost plays host to the largest parade in Spain, the fiesta lasts well into the night and spills onto the white sand beaches.

Berlin, Germany

The celebrations get bigger every year, with plenty of events on over the weekend.

Brussels, Belgium

The Benelux region of Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg hosts one of the finest St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Europe.

Edinburgh, Scotland

The Scottish capital goes all out, with live music, parades and shows throughout the weekend celebrations.

London

A huge celebration for St. Patrick’s Day is held in the heart of central London, bringing together the best of Irish culture; with a colourful parade and entertainment; that showcases the best of Irish song, dance, music, culture and arts.

Need a loan to help you on your way?

Talk to us about a holiday loan.

Not a member?

Don’t worry! You can join and apply for a loan same day. Join us now.

Top 20 Irish interior design Instagram accounts to follow

Instagram is a haven for gardeners and home stylers of all kinds; from those looking for practical tips to those filled with unadulterated escapism. Thinking of giving your home and garden a makeover…make sure you check these top 20 Irish interior design instagram accounts.

Here are our top 20 Irish interior design Instagram accounts to follow:

Geri O’Toole Glynn

Locally based interior designer with a wonderful eye for designs and some great tips. LINK: geri_designs

Caroline Flannery

If you are lover of colours, this is the feed for you! LINK: interiorsbycaroline

Wioleta Kelly

Locally based interior designer with photographs full of colour and great attention to detail. LINK: wioleta_kelly

Sara McLoughlin

A feed full of quirkness, colour and plants from Limerick based designer. LINK: saara_mcloughlin

Irish Design Shop

Stocking the very best Irish design and craft. LINK: irishdesignshop

Sara Thompson

Inspiration for all the rooms in your home. LINK: thompsonclarkeinteriors

Colette Lenehan of Neptune

Inspirational photographs for every corner of your home. LINK: neptunebyglobalvillage

Grace Mongey

A feed filled with attainable design and lovely pieces. LINK: fbghome

Cliodhna O’Connor

A graphic designer with an eye for interior design. LINK: the.designerr

Roisin Lafferty of KLD

A feast for the eyes of interiors escapism. LINK: roisinlaffertykld

Arlene McIntyre of Ventura Design

A feast of luxurious interior projects for inspiration. LINK: venturainteriordesign

Suzie McAdam at The Design Seeker

Featuring a range of projects and home furnishings. LINK: thedesign_seeker

Ruth Maria Murphy

Inspirational photos from national and international projects. LINK: ruthmariaphotos

Cian Corcoran and Ahmed Fakhry of Design Goat

For those who love attention to detail and beautifully considered photographs. LINK: designgoat

Cathy McGovern

Beautiful design on a budget. LINK: cathymcgovern_carrowlane

Aisling Nugent

If you are a fan of quirky style, this is a must-follow. LINK: vintagehillcork

Bryan O’Sullivan Studio

High end interiors international inspiration. LINK: bosstudio

Caroline Warde

For lovers of maximalism with pops of colour. LINK: acuriousnest

Yvonne Purcell

For lovers of upcycling and DIY projects. LINK: sixat21

Carlow Paint Hub

Wonderful inspiration before you start on that painting project, with lots of great advice. LINK: carlowpainthub

Big plans don’t have to mean big payments!

Our personal loans are available @ 6% from €30,000 – €50,000 & @4.95% from €50,000 to €100,000. Use our loan calculator to see your repayments.

No appointment needed and new members can join and apply for a loan same day.