On Thursday 12th January, Martin O Sullivan was a guest on the Tommy Marren Show speaking about the Jack Lam appeal, to urge people to donate to the cause.

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The last draw was held in the Hughes Bar, Carnacon, on Saturday 17th December 2011

Congratulations to Sinead Ruane who wins an Opel Corsa 1.2L 5 Door

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This year’s Annual General Meeting will be held Wednesday 14th December 2011 at 8:30pm [20:30 hrs] in the TF Toyal Hotel, Castlebar.

More information and reports will be added soon.

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Mancora Walking Together Project was set up by Eamon Molloy, Tom Campbell, Robbie Baird and Nathan McFadden with Fatima Chero Palacios and her family in Northwest Peru during Christmas 2005.

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The Annual Secondary School quiz took place Friday night 25th November 2011 in Davitt College. Congratulations to the team representing St. Gerald’s College who took first Place. Teams consisted of 4 students. The quiz runs over 10 rounds with prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and also a prize for the best 1st year team. The winning school also gets the Credit Union Secondary School Quiz plaque for the year. Click here for Winner Photos

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Congratulations to all our Art Competition entries who took All First places in the General Categories at Chapter 18 level, and to the 4 entries in the Special Category who took 4 first places in their categories.

Winning entries at Chapter Level will now go on to National Level and more information will be added once this judging takes place.

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Presentation of kitbags by Castlebar Credit Union to the New Women’s National League, front Noel Coll, PRO and Jeremy Dee, team manager. Back l-r; Jimmy Murphy, CU, Jack Loftus, CU, James Murray, Chairman Castlebar Celtic, Aileen Collins, team player and John Bourke, CU. The first home game on 20th November against Shamrock Rovers. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2011

It’s that time of year again, time to start organising your Christmas finance. Castlebar Credit Union are delighted to offer a special rate of 9.5% (9.9%APR) to give you a helping hand, Term & conditions apply.

Loan Amount	Weekly Repayment	Cost of interest	Max Term
€ 1,000	€20.18	€48.92	52 weeks

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Presentation to winners took place Friday evening 4th November 2011 at 06:30pm in Lough Lannagh Village.

Judging at Chapter Level will take place Friday 18th November 2011

Castlebar Credit Union Members Autumn draw winners Snugboro Community Association pictured at Clearys Car Dealers Breaffy Rd Castlebar . John Bourke presenting the keys of a 1.4 lt Nissan Note to Fintan Staunton, Snugboro Community Association, Declan Clarke, Manager, also in the picture members of the Snugboro Community Association Brendan Coyne, Kevin Bourke, Gerry Green and Fergal O’Brien. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2011

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Check out our Shares Secured Loans

Every year we hold a draw for Junior members who hold accounts with Castlebar Credit Union.

The Draw is held in conjunction with International Credit Union Day

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Following are the winners in each category in the

Presentation to winners will take place Friday evening 4th November 2011 at 06:30pm in Lough Lannagh Village.

Congratulations to Snugboro Development Association on winning a Nissan Note in our members draw held 20^th October 2011.

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Have you noticed a change in the time Credit Transfer / electronic payments are made to your account

[Credit Transfer payments are electronic payments which can be wages paypath payments, standing orders, social welfare payments, state pension payments or other banks transfers]

Recently the timing of processing files containing Credit Transfer payments has changed. This is to accommodate a requirement under the Payment Services Directive (PSD) which comes into effect on 01/01/2012.

What does this mean for you: If your payment was normally processed & applied to your account on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon, after 5:00pm, it may not now be applied until the next morning which will be by 10:00am.

However if your payments was normally applied on a Friday afternoon, after 5:00pm, your payment may not now be applied until the morning of the next working day, which will be the following Monday morning by 10:00am.

We apologies for any inconvenience this may cause but this change is being driven by the Payment Services Directive which we must comply with.

You can read more on Regulation 53” EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (PAYMENT SERVICES) REGULATIONS 2009 (the “Regulations) by clicking this link

Castlebar Credit Union Ltd will celebrate International Credit Union Day with an Open Day at our main office on Market Square, Castlebar from 10am to 2pm on Thursday 20th October 2011. There will be light refreshments, freebies and a draw will be held for all those attending the office on the day. CRC fm will also broadcast live from our office on the day. Click here for more...

Consider the advantages of taking a share secured loan 4.95% (5.08% APR) Most people find it easier to repay a loan than replace savings. Both Savings & Loans of eligible members are covered by Free Life Insurance. If you withdraw your savings you may reduce your Life Savings Insurance benefit. When you have the loan repaid you still have your savings, plus dividends earned, intact. All members can obtain a secured loan on demand. This loan rate can be used for any purpose. Terms & conditions apply. Note: There is no loan interest rebate with this product. Terms up to 5 years

The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has today launched its 2012 All - Ireland Schools Quiz. The annual event, now in its 21^st year has become the highlight of the school calendar, attracting over 25,000 participants in over 300 venues throughout the 32 counties.

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Quiz Master for the 2012 event will be Marty Whelan, who today launched the event at St Brigids Primary School in Dublin.

Have you recently received a dormant account letter?

For more information click here..

Over 30,000 entries expected for 28th Credit Union Art Competition!

Competition is one of the biggest art projects on the island of Ireland.

The Irish League of Credit Unions has today launched a completely new All-Ireland Credit Union Art Competition. The former poster competition has this year changed to an ‘art’ competition to encourage wider participation across the 32 counties but also to allow for greater artistic freedom and expression. Click here for more..

Castlebar Credit Union Ltd. is one of over 70 Credit Unions supporting the development of a dedicated hospice home care service for children by hosting a Charity Week starting on the 5th September 2011.

The proceeds collected by Castlebar Credit Union Ltd. help fund work to support families with children who have life-limiting conditions. The hospice home care service for children will allow seriously ill children to be cared for and to die at home rather than in a busy hospital.

On a national level, an estimated 1,400 children are living with life-limiting conditions in Ireland. There are about 350 child deaths every year – the majority in the first year of life.

The project is an initiative of le chéile General Insurances and AXA Insurance Ltd. The event will take place in the Credit Union branch for one week from 5th September 2011.

During the Charity Week, staff at Castlebar Credit Union Ltd. will be having a bit of fun by painting a sunflower on their faces. Marie Lynch, the Office Administrator of Castlebar Credit Union Ltd will be overseeing the funds collected at the counter during the week-long event. The initiative is also being supported by the local AXA branch in Ballina.

Dayna Caceres, Operations Manager from le chéile commented:  “We are delighted with the positive response from so many Credit Unions. We have no doubt that the campaign will be a success and we hope that it will generate a significant amount to support this worthy cause.”

Congratulations to Liam Fahey winner of a Kia Rio 1.4L petrol in the draw.

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IRISH LEAGUE OF CREDIT UNIONS ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF THIRD LEVEL EDUCATION 2011 STUDY
75% of Irish Students expect to have to emigrate to find work after they finish 3rd level education To make ends meet 55% of college students are forced to work with 33% skipping lectures to do so Male students (63%) more likely to choose their college course based on job market opportunities rather than their interest when compared to female students (40%) 72% of college students relying on parents for financial support
(22ndAugust 2011) The Irish League of Credit Unions has today announced the results of a study into the cost of 3rd level education in Ireland 2011. In addition to looking at the issue of financing education, the study also highlights how the current financial crisis has impacted how students view of the current jobs market and their future career prospects in Ireland. The survey also focuses attention on parental concerns for their college going children in terms of finances and future job opportunities. The research indicates that Irish students (72%) are still relying heavily on their parents to help fund their 3rd level education. On top of academic fees, average monthly spend (excluding rent and bills) stands at approximately €480. As expected, rents in Dublin are still the highest in the country averaging at €380, followed by rents in Munster, greater Leinster and Connacht / Ulster. 55% of students are forced to work throughout the academic year with 33% skipping lectures to do so. Students are making on average €10 euro per hour and working an average 14.5 hours per week, with male students working slightly longer hours than females. Sadly, approximately 75% of the students surveyed expect to have to emigrate to find work after they finish 3rd level education. The study also finds that 50% of students now choose their college course based not on interest, but on current employment gaps in the Irish market with more male than female students making this choice.
	Commenting on the announcement of the results, Kieron Brennan, ILCU CEO said: “In the final instalment of our 2nd quarter research, we focused our attention on 3rd level education and looked not only at the financial burden of going to college but also parent and student concerns and expectations. We felt that it was also important to look at how the new generation of young Irish people view the opportunities associated with 3rd level education and how they feel about a professional future in Ireland.”
He continued: “The increase in registration fees this year will put phenomenal pressure on both parents and students starting or returning to 3rd level education. The fees combined with monthly rent and bills, books and materials and day to day expenses are a significant financial burden to many families. We want to let people know that credit unions are available to support both parents and students as they prepare for the academic year. Credit unions offer some of the most competitive personal, student and education loan rates on the market. We encourage anyone who is looking to finance their education or who simply want some advice on planning ahead or budgeting to call into their local credit union and speak to a member of staff”
Below are some of the key highlights of the research, undertaken by iReach Market Research on behalf of the Irish League of Credit Unions.
1. Parents of Full Time College Students
Funding / Monthly Costs / Sourcing Finances 9 in 10 parents support their child with college related costs by contributing on average €410 per month 39% of parents of fulltime college students use monthly income to fund their child’s college education The remaining 61% of parents of full time college students who fund their child’s education are forced to locate finances from other sources: Savings (38%) and Credit Union loans (11%) are the second and third most common methods used followed by bank loan (7%) and Credit Card (4%)
Parents Greatest Worries for College Children
Not being able to get a job after college is the single biggest worry voiced by over 4 in 10 parents of college students Money issues is the second most pronounced worry amongst parents of the child attending college (25%) Apart from securing a job and money issues, concerns such as misuse of drugs and alcohol, passing exams and sexual health issues appear to be far less significant.
2. Full Time College Students
Funding Own College Experience 72% of students rely on money from parents as a primary source of funding for 3rd level education Additionally, 55% of college students also rely heavily on their existing savings to fund 3rd level education Paid employment is the third most important source of funding for 3rd level education in Ireland (55%) 17% of students choose a loan to fund education
Monthly Rent of a Typical College Student A typical student who stays in rented accommodation pays on average €330 for the rent per month Students living in Dublin still pay the highest rents (€380) and students in Munster pay second highest (€335). Students living in the greater Leinster area pay on average €265 and those in Connacht and Ulster pay €220. A typical student living in rented accommodation pays €70 for household bills on average per month Monthly Costs of a Typical College Student College students spend almost €500 each month on their daily expenses (excluding rent and bills) Food is the most expensive element with an average student spending (€148). Females spend more on food (€163) compared to males (€128) per month Not surprisingly, socialising is the next most expensive part of student life Travel is also an expensive part of the budget of 3rd level students with an average of €82 being spent on commuting to and from college each month Male students spend more on phone bills per month than females (€42 versus €39) Female students spend more on clothing per month than males (€65 versus €50) Working While Studying 55% of college students have to work to fund their 3rd level education (58% of males compared to 52% of females) Students on average work 14.5 hours per week (Males =15 hours) and (Females = 14 hours) On average students are paid €10 euro per hour 33% of students skip lectures to work (38% of female students as opposed to 27% of male students) On average students make a weekly income of €145 per week or €580 per month. Male students are making slightly more than females bringing in approximately €600 per month compared to €560 Greatest Worries of College Students Financial debts and passing exams are equally concerning issues for Irish college students Financial issues (68%) passing exams (68%) and fear about not getting a job (64%) are the most pressing concerns facing full time students While female students show more concern over passing exams (72%) compared to male students (63%), male students are more concerned (42%) about course quality and suitability as opposed to their female classmates (24%) Cutting Back on Spending Entertainment (71%) and alcohol (66%) are the first thing students are likely to cut back on when running out of money. While females are more likely to cut back on entertainment, males are more likely to reduce their phone bills Choosing a College Course As many as 50% would now choose their college course based on current employment gaps in the economy rather than their interest Male students (63%) more likely to choose their future course based on job market opportunities rather than their interest when compared to female students (40%) University reputation and cost featured very little as factors affecting Irish students choosing their current course Fear over Job Prospects When asked ¾ of college students agreed that they expect to have to emigrate to find work in Ireland Additionally two thirds fear that they will have to take a job they don’t like in order to pay bills (more evident among females 76%) A similar proportion admit that financial worries negatively impact their college experience (high among females 72%)

Pictured in Tolsters Bar at a presentation of a cheque from Castlebar Credit Union to the Castlebar Concert Band. L-R; Pauline Rodgers, secretary CCB, Michael Basquille, President Castlebar Concert Band, John Burke, Castlebar Credit Union,
Hanneke Wijers , treasurer CCB, Sean McCann, President Castlebar Credit Union,
Declan Hynes, Chairman, Castlebar Conert Band, Jimmy Murphy, Castlebar Credit Union. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2011

The next Members Draw will be held in our offices in Castlebar on Tuesday 30th August 2011 at 1:00pm. The car will be from Conway’s garage, details of the car type will be added shortly. Only members who have had the draw fee of € 8.66 deducted from their account before the draw are eligible. Apart from the car prize in the July 2011 draw there were 57 cash prizes from € 300 to € 3,000. The total draw fund in July 2011 was € 51,800.

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Congratulations to Paul Kavanagh from Turlough Castlebar who competed in the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

Paul took part in the table tennis event and claimed a Unity Medal for his efforts.

Paul also finished fourth in the mixed doubles, fifth in the doubles and eighth in the singles.

The Irish League of Credit Union has today announced the results of its ‘Back to School’ costs survey. This is part of a wider body of research that is being undertaken by the ILCU in 2011. Below is the press release and attached research results that have been issued to national and local media.
BACK TO SCHOOL COSTS FOR IRISH FAMILIES
Irish families spending on average €400 per child to go back to school On average school uniforms incl. shoes (€229) and schoolbooks (€182) are the biggest school related expenses for Irish parents 75% of parents are asked to make voluntary contributions of €130 on average 9 out of 10 parents surveyed want to see a switch to laptops and e-books in the classroom to save money (July 2011) As parents of school going children brace themselves ahead of the back to school shopping season, the Irish League of Credit Unions has taken a look at just what the costs for both primary and secondary school children are. In 2011, a typical Irish family will spend approximately €400 on each child when getting them ready to go back to school in September with back-to-school expenditure for a second-level student is almost 50% higher than for a primary-level pupil.
	Commenting on the research findings, Kieron Brennan, ILCU CEO said: “The cost of school going children to parents is considerable and can put significant pressure on household budgets and the ability of some families to pay their essential bills.
This iReach research shows us that there are significant numbers of parents using their credit cards and using their savings to pay for their child’s back to school needs, with many parents feeling that the back to school allowance is not sufficient to cover costs.
We were surprised at the number of parents that would like to see their children using laptops and or e-books in the classroom and this may be part of a growing trend whereby parents are looking to technology to save on the costs of school books. Claremorris Credit Union recently announced a partnership with St Colman’s College in Claremorris to make history by becoming the first school in Ireland to introduce the truly digital classroom following its decision to replace textbooks and school bags with Apple’s iPad tablet device. In time this is something which could be looked at more closely by the education system and by Government as a possible way to reduce costs in future for families.”
He Continued: Ultimately, we urge parents to shop around for the best value in back to school items like school books and uniforms. We recommend that you check what you have left over from last year and then make a list of everything you need to buy and stick to that list. 8% of those surveyed already speak to their credit union about back to school finance and budget management, so if you want advice on budgeting or some guidance on applying for a loan, visit your local credit union and talk to a member of staff.”
Some of the key highlights of the research, undertaken by iReach Market Research on behalf of the Irish League of Credit Unions are outlined below:
Overall Spend A typical Irish family spends approximately €400 on each child when getting them ready to go back to school in September. Irish parents are spending approximately (€470) for a second-level student and €320 for a primary level pupil. The overall cost for secondary school is almost 50% higher than for primary school. Most Expensive School Items School uniforms and books are perceived as a heavy burden for Irish parents. Parents of a secondary school child pay almost twice as much for schoolbooks (€238) than for a primary school child (€125). Costs of uniforms are perceived to be equally significant by both types of parents. Uniform costs for a secondary school child is on average €281 compared to primary at €177. Extracurricular expenses can represent a noticeable financial burden for primary and secondary school children - primary school children at €145 secondary school children €152 on average. 9 in 10 (88%) parents express a preference for laptops or e-book readers to become part of the in class educational experience. Laptop use is highly desired by Irish parents in both primary (87%) and secondary (89%) if it negates the cost of school books. Preferred Method of Back to School Financing 46% of parents use monthly income to source back to school necessities. However, 54% of parents are forced to locate finances for back to school from elsewhere – Credit Cards 16% / Savings 13% / Back to School Allowance 12% / Credit Unions 7% (average) Parents of secondary level children are more likely to dip into their savings (15%) or use credit cards (20%) Almost two-thirds of parents (65%) admitted that back-to-school costs will adversely impact their holiday plans and bills management. Eight in ten parents (81%) who are entitled for back-to-school allowance admitted that this is insufficient School Fees and Voluntary Contributions 76% of parents are requested to make voluntary contributions that amount to €130 on average per child. While primary schools are more likely to request voluntary contributions (83%) than secondary (70%), secondary school parents are obliged to pay higher contributions (€158) than parents of a primary school child (€102). 9% of Irish parents send their child(s) to a fee paying school (5% primary school and 13% secondary school). School fees on average stand at €1,750 for primary school and € 4,750 for secondary school. Shopping for Better Value When it comes to cutting back-to-school related costs: 35% of those survey shop online for back to school items. Of this cohort, (61%) shop online for back-to-school items to save money; 35% felt it was more convenient to shop this way. Four in ten parents (38%) feel pressured to buy branded school items over generic ones for their children Dunnes Stores (28%), followed by Marks & Spencer (24%) is most popular for value-for-money school clothing followed by Pennys 19% and Tesco 15% Back to School Allowance One fifth of parents of school age children are entitled to the Back to School Allowance. However three quarters (81%) admitted that the allowance they receive is insufficient to cover their children’s back to school needs. School Support to Parents Over two thirds of parents (69%) believe that Irish schools do not support parents in keeping costs down for their school going children. These negative attitudes were more pronounced among parents of secondary school children (71%) Implications of Back to School Costs on Families Almost two thirds of all parents admitted that back to school expenses will negatively impact family plans and paying bills. 49% of parents may have to modify their family holiday or children’s summer camps this year. Back to School expenses will also have an adverse impact on 7% of domestic bill payments and an additional 7% of parents will be forced to forego / delay a credit card payment to meet all back to school expenses for their children incurring additional interest charges.

College is expensive. And there’s a lot more to pay for than fees.
	Castlebar Credit Union are always here to give you a helping hand.
	Castlebar Credit Union is run by people like you, for people like you - we’ve been there.
	Not a member? Contact us and find out how you can benefit. Click here for more..

The Last members draw was held in our offices on Tuesday 12th July between 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm.

Pictured at Monaghan’s Car Dealers, Castlebar Credit Union car winner Victoria Cresham receiving the keys of a 1.2 Mazda 2 Sensor from John Walsh, Credit Union. Front Joseph De Fretaes and Marian Cresham, l-r; James McLoughlin, Credit Union, Ronan McLoughlin, David Monaghan, proprietor, Victoria Cresham, John Walsh, Credit Union.  Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2011.

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The next members draw will be held in our offices on Tuesday 12th July between 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm. 

At a cost of only €1.00 per week, you could be the lucky winner of a Car, or one of our 57 Cash Prizes worth a total of € 35,700. Simply call in to the Credit Union and join today.

Presentation to Maria Ruddy (St. Angela’s NS) and Freya Blendell (Scoil Raifteiri NS) who were winners in the children’s GRS Saver Essay Contest L-R: Martin Clarke, Credit Union, Michael Ruddy, Mary Ruddy, Maria Ruddy, Angela Blendell, Freya Blendell, Stephen Blendell and Denise Kinsella, Credit Union. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2011.

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Pictured at the presentation of a cheque for €2,700.50 to  are a group of Staff from Castlebar Credit Union who took part in the Western People’s Ladies Mini Marathon. L-r; Maryanne Walsh, Betty Dabbagh, Western Alzheimer’s, Marie Mullarkey, Michelle Mc Tigue, Paula Murphy, John Grant Western Alzheimer’s, Sandra Deacy, and Maeve Walsh. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2011.

We are very pleased to announce that the le cheile Insurances member focused website is now ready – www.lecheileinsurances.ie . This will allow Castlebar Credit Union Ltd. members to request a quote on line.

Click an icon below for an online quote;

You may have recently experienced difficulty logging into the Members Area of the web site. This issue has been resolved but you may need to clear your “Browsing History”.

If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE8).

Click on the Tool Menu>Internet Options and on the general tab there should be an option to called “Browsing history”, click on delete and select all the options and click delete.

Close the browser and the attempt to Login to the Members Area

If you are using Firefox

Click on Tools>Clear Recent history, change the time range to “Everything” and click clear Now.

Close the browser and the attempt to Login to the Members Area

The Last members draw was held in our offices on Tuesday 10th May between 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm.

Pictured at Pat Kelly’s Auto Car Dealers, Castlebar Credit Union spring draw car winner Vivienne Molloy receiving the keys of an Toyota Yaris Sport l-r; Brian Joyce, Sales Manager, John Loftus, Credit Union, Vivienne Molloy and John O’Brien, Credit Union. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2011.

Car is a Toyota Yaris from Pat Kelly Autopoint, Castlebar, and comes with;

3 Years of FREE Servicing, and 1 Year FREE Road tax

At a cost of only €1.00 per week, you could be the lucky winner of a Car, or one of our 57 Cash Prizes worth a total of € 35,700. Simply call in to the Credit Union and join today.

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Credit Union GR8 Savers Week will take place from the 9th – 15th May 2011. The aim of the initiative is to encourage young people, particularly primary school children, to develop a savings habit in their local credit union.

GR8 Saver Essay contest: Students are invited to submit entries to the 2nd Annual Essay Contest

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Thanks to all those children who entered both category’s of the colouring competition. We had over 700 entries to Judge. Here are the winners in each age group and category, and photos of the prizes presentation held in the Credit Union offices on Saturday 23rd April 2011.

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MOST of us will have to make Tough decisions this year as we struggle to cope with pay cuts, redundancies and other financial challenges on a scale not seen in many of our lifetimes.

However, 2011 does not all have to be about unnecessary stress and debt.

Click here for some Budgeting tips from your Credit Union..

Click here for pictures of St. Angela’s national school team which competed in the under 11 section along with 49 other teams in that category.

Ultimate Big Brother champion Brian Dowling joined the Irish League of Credit Unions yesterday (Sunday 3rd April) (ILCU) at the RDS in Dublin to host the special 20th Anniversary Credit Union All Ireland Schools Quiz. Over 400 primary school children from across the country competed for the national title.

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The annual Deduction Scheme Bowling competition was held Wednesday 23rd February 2011 in Mayo Roller Bowl.

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The Annual national school quiz took place last friday night, 4th February 2011, in Davitt College, 31 teams took part from the national schools in the area.

An enjoyable night was had by all. Thanks to all the students parents & teachers that turned out on the night.

Two quiz’s took place on the same night, under 11 category and under 13 category.

Under 11 winners were	Under 13 Winners
1st place: St. Angela’s national school	1st place: Breaffy national school
2nd place: St. Patrick’s national school	2nd place: St. Angela’s national school
3rd place: Breaffy national school	3rd place: Scoil Raifteirí

1st place winners in both categories now go forward to the Chapter quiz.

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Irish League of Credit Union Launches Nationwide Personal Finance Public Meetings
Media Release: 01 February 2011
‘Managing your Money in 2011’
FIRST MEETING TO BE HELD IN CASTLEBAR
In the context of the deep recession and the current challenging economic times, the Irish League of Credit Unions has today announced that it is organising a series of nationwide public meetings to provide expert personal finance advice and guidance to members of the public. These meetings entitled ‘Managing your Money in 2011’ will be taking place across the country in February and March. The first meeting will be held in the Harlequin Hotel, Castlebar town on Thursday 10th February.
Each meeting will be addressed by Frank Conway, the Founder and Director of moneycoach.ie – an independent money advice centre specialising in the area of personal finance, personal budgeting and money management. The CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions, Kieron Brennan will also provide a keynote address regarding the credit union in the context of the challenges currently facing the sector and their members.
Each meeting will be chaired by Brendan Keenan, Economics Editor at the Irish Independent. Each road-show is open to members of the public to attend, free of charge. The ILCU does wish to advise members of the public that numbers are limited at each venue.
•Castlebar – Thursday 10th February, Harlequin Hotel 6.30pm (registration) / 7pm start
	Commenting on the announcement, ILCU CEO Kieron Brennan said: “This year in particular, many families will struggle to keep their heads above water as they deal with reduced incomes, the introduction of the new universal social charge, cuts in social welfare, and job losses.”
“Managing your money prudently and responsibly in tough financial times is extremely important and we hope that the credit union, through these events, can in some way help individuals and families around the country address any personal finance issues they may have, while offering honest, open advice on personal budgeting and money management.
He concluded: The ILCU is urging both members of credit unions and non members who find themselves in financial trouble this year to call in and speak to their credit union. Credit unions are flexible and will work with their members to find a solution to financial difficulties, be it by assisting with budgeting or rescheduling of loan repayments where possible.
To find out more about the series of personal finance meetings visit the credit union website on www.creditunion.ie or email townhall@creditunion.ie

Starting on Monday 10th January 2011, a competition to promote the Credit Union Schools Quiz will be run on the Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show on Today FM for 5 days.

The Competition
The show will ask for national school children to call in every day with one child coming on air to play the ‘Big Wheel of Knowledge’. The child that comes on each day will win a daily prize. On the last day after the final child comes on air, the show will stick all 5 names on the big wheel and Ian will spin it. Whatever name it lands on wins an over all prize for their family.

Daily Prize;
A Nintendo DSi XL with a Nintendo Accessory Pack and a Nintendo - Junior Brain Trainer 2 game.

Weekly Prize;
A prize for all the family to enjoy – A Samsung 40 Full HD 3D Ready LCD TV with a Samsung Home Cinema 3D Blu-ray system.

Send us your news and views so that we can keep our news current and up-to-date. If you have any other queries or comments we would be delighted to hear from you at any time.