St Anthony’s and Claddagh Credit Union – with offices at Mainguard St. and Westside Shopping Centre in the city, and in Oughterard – is marking its 50th anniversary with a €100,000 giveaway, with 50 guaranteed winners on the night.
The big draw will take place in The Ardilaun Hotel on May 23, with two Ford Focus cars are top prizes – each worth €25,000, and another €50,000 in cash prizes ranging from €15,000 to €500.
It only costs €1 a month (maximum €12 for the year ) to be in with a chance to win. It was founded in 1963 and the first collection on Sunday, October 27, 1963 was £12.
In 2013, the Credit Union has 34,000 members, assets of €170m and 38 employees.
St Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union is primarily directed and controlled by a voluntary Board of Directors which is democratically elected by the members of the Credit Union at the AGM. Each member has one vote at the AGM and the credit union is owned and controlled by its members.
Frank Colohan, President of St Anthony’s and Claddagh Credit Union stated that the primary focus of St Anthony’s and Claddagh Credit Union is to meet the financial needs of our members by providing a safe place to save and access to credit at a fair and reasonable rate of interest.
"We are actively involved in the community in Galway City and county, and community focus is core to our operating principles.
"In 2012, our credit union distributed over €3 million into the Galway community in the form of dividends and loan interest rebate to our members.
Mr Colohan said that the credit union was delighted to have won the category (Best Financial/Professional Service ) in the Best of Galway Awards 2013 and would like to thank everyone who voted, making this award even more special considering it is 50 years in business this year.
To become a member, you must be living, working or studying in its Common Bond, which stretches from the city centre to Westside, Salthill, Barna, Furbo, Moycullen, Oughterard, Maam Cross.
The Credit Union’s services range from savings and deposits to loans, from standard rate loans at 9.5 per cent (9.9 per cent APR ) to special car loan rate of 6.5 per cent (6.7 per cent APR ) or special education loans at six per cent (6.2 per cent APR ) to special community loans of five per cent (5.13 per cent APR ) plus travel, motor, home insurance, foreign exchange, Direct Debits and both free loan and share protection insurance.
The €100,000 giveaway is one way of acknowledging the part played by their members over those first 50 years, while at the same time attracting those who will play a similar role over the next 50 years.
Remember, the closing date for the €100,000 draw is May 1 and good luck to all St Anthony’s and Claddagh members.
