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In Pictures: People First Credit Union celebrates growth, community impact and student achievement at AGM

31st January 2026

People First CU AGM 2026 35 — Students, Sarah Murrell (Scoil Chroist Rí); Szymon Trela (Dunamase College); Maita Phairah (Athy College); Grace Fox (Heywood CS); Liam Maher (St. Mary’s CBS) and Nathan Lam (Portlaoise College) are presented with €1,000 scholarships by Jack Delaney (left) and Mia Ryan (right) at the People First Credit Union agm in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise. Photo: Alf Harvey.

People First Credit Union held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday January 28 in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, where members heard how the credit union continues to grow while delivering the social, educational and community impact across its common bond.

The night celebrated strong financial and operational results for the year, including a total gross loan book of €48.7 million, representing 7.88% growth.

During the year, 1,424 new members joined People First Credit Union, while 40 local community groups received €72,691 in funding.

Addressing members on the night, Seán Dunne, CEO of People First Credit Union, said: “Tonight’s AGM reflects the strength of People First Credit Union — strong financial performance alongside a deep commitment to our members and the communities we serve.

“From supporting students and first-time borrowers to investing in local groups and sustainable community projects, everything we do is guided by our cooperative values and by the trust our members place in us.”

A key highlight of the evening was People First Credit Union’s continued investment in education, with €1,000 scholarships awarded to a student from each of the seven secondary schools within the common bond.

This year’s recipients were Grace Fox (Heywood Community School), Liam Maher (St Mary’s CBS), Sarah Murrell (Scoil Chríost Rí), Nathan Lam (Portlaoise College), Szymon Trela (Ardscoil na Tríonóide) and Maita Phairah (Athy College).

Members also demonstrated strong support for community development, approving the transfer of €80,000 into People First Credit Union’s Community Funding Budget.

This funding will be distributed throughout the year to assist community and voluntary groups delivering projects with lasting social, environmental and community benefit.

The AGM also highlighted the three shortlisted finalists for the Community Champions Award, a special €10,000 prize recognising outstanding community initiatives.

Community Champions winner, the VIP Hub represented by Tracey and George Percy and Caroline Myers pictured with President of the Irish League of Credit Unions, Brendan Jenkins and Carol Murphy, Marketing Manager, People First CU at the People First Credit Union agm in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Photo: Alf Harvey.

The shortlisted groups are VIP Hub, Portlaoise Community First Responders, and Irish Wheelchair Association Athy.

VIP Hub were crowned the winners of the People First Credit Union Community Champions Award on the night, receiving the €10,000 prize in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the community.

The award acknowledges the organisation’s exceptional work supporting athletes with visual and physical impairments across County Laois.

The lending team, from left: Jerry Deegan, Noeleen Dempsey, Talita Zica, Nicola Fitzpatrick, Amy Carolan and Jane Watts at the People First Credit Union agm in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Photo: Alf Harvey.

Founded eight years ago as a volunteer-led initiative and now recognised through Sport Ireland, VIP Hub supports over 100 athletes across a wide range of para and inclusive sports.

The organisation plans to use the funding to deliver the Laois Inclusion Games, a two-day inclusive sporting event for children and adults with disabilities, scheduled to take place next August.

Carol Murphy, Marketing Manager and Chair of the Community Funding Committee: “Our community funding and Community Champions initiatives are about creating lasting impact. We are proud to support projects that improve quality of life, promote inclusion and sustainability, and strengthen the social fabric of our common bond.

Community Champions finalist, The Athy branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association, represented by Claire Bracken, Evelyn O’Rourke and Kasia Szulc pictured with President of the Irish League of Credit Unions, Brendan Jenkins and Carol Murphy, Marketing Manager, People First CU at the People First Credit Union agm in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Photo: Alf Harvey.

“None of this would be possible without the continued support of our members. Evey time they choose us as their financial provider for loans, mortgages, current accounts it allows us to put money back into the community.”

The AGM marked the official launch of People First Credit Union’s first Social Impact Report, capturing the breadth of the credit union’s social, community and environmental activity throughout the year.

The report reflects the belief that success should be measured not only in financial terms, but in the positive difference made in the lives of members and the communities served.

Management and staff at the People First Credit Union agm in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
Photo: Alf Harvey.

The evening concluded with tributes to Clive Davis, who stepped down as Chair after 19 years of dedicated service, as well as acknowledgements for Mary Carmody, who resigned from the Board of Directors, and Mary Crowley, who stepped down from the Board Oversight Committee, in recognition of their valued contributions.

People First Credit Union thanked all members for their continued commitment and support.

As a member-owned cooperative, the credit union cannot develop and grow without its members.

Members were encouraged to continue supporting People FirstCredit Union as it works to strengthen financial wellbeing, reinvest locally and build thriving, inclusive communities for the future.