Council Chair hosts a reception to mark the 60th anniversary of Omagh Credit Union
9th May 2025
Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, hosted a reception to mark the 60th anniversary of Omagh Credit Union.
The following is the speech made by the Chair at the reception:
Good evening Councillors, ladies and gentlemen,
As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all here to Strule Arts Centre, Omagh for this reception to mark the 60th anniversary of Omagh Credit Union.
The first meeting of Omagh Credit Union took place on 08 April 1965 in the Melville Hotel, Omagh. At the meeting, 30 individuals bought shares at a total of £1 each and became the first shareholders in Omagh Credit Union.
A further meeting took place on 21 June 1965 and it was agreed by the Board of Directors that shares would be collected every Friday in the Melville Hotel from 02 July 1965.
The demand and membership of the Credit Union steadily increased over the following years and the Board of Directors agreed that a more permanent base was required. Subsequently, you moved to the 2nd Floor of Townsend Bookmakers in john Street Omagh before moving to 20 John Street on May 1971. The demand continued to grow and, 25 years later in May 1995, you expanded into 18 John Street.
The growth of Omagh Credit Union is remarkable with just 30 members and savings of £979 in 1965, today you have over 15,000 senior members, 2,500 minor members and over £42 million in shares and over £22 million in loans.
A special feature of Credit Unions is that they are owned and controlled by members. Everyone is regarded as a member and not a customer and you put their needs at the heart of everything you do. I understand one motto that is attributed to the Credit Union is People not Profit. The growth of Omagh Credit Union over the last 60 years demonstrates that you truly operate to these principles.
The success of Omagh Credit Union is particularly admirable as the Board of Directors is voluntary. I would like to commend all of the Board of Directors, past and present, for your commitment and diligence to Omagh Credit union to ensure that it operates effectively and efficiently.
I would also like to commend the current Manager Bernie Liggett, Assistant Manager Brenda McCallion and all the Staff past and present for your hard work and for the professional and personal service you deliver to your members.
To all of the Board of Directors and Staff, as well as your success over the years, you have also made a tangible difference to the lives of so many people locally through the financial services you provide.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to supporting and encouraging resilient, thriving and safe communities. Omagh Credit Union contributes to the achievement of this by supporting the local community of Omagh and the surrounding area.
On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate Omagh Credit Union on reaching this milestone 60th anniversary. I once again thank everyone who has played a part in its history, making a valuable contribution to the community and I wish you continued success in the future. Thank you.