Clones native elected President of the Irish League of Credit Unions

It was a moment of great pride for Clones and a significant milestone for the Irish Credit Union movement when Brendan Jenkins was elected President of the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU).

The Clones native's appointment was confirmed at the recent Annual General Meeting held in Belfast.

This achievement is not only a personal honour for Brendan, but also a proud day for Clones Credit Union, one of the foundational institutions of the movement in Ireland.

Brendan’s association with Clones Credit Union spans almost four decades, including 11 years as a volunteer Director and 28 years as Manager and CEO.

During his tenure on the board, he served on various committees and held the position of Vice President before taking up the role of CEO.

Known for his hands-on approach, Brendan brought both vision and practicality to every aspect of day-to-day operations. He consistently championed collaboration between staff and board, recognising it as vital to good governance and member service.

Beyond the local level, Brendan has made lasting contributions to the movement nationally. He served for 15 years on the ECCU User Group, working to improve insurance services for members and streamline operational processes for staff.

His commitment extended internationally as well, travelling with The Foundation to Sierra Leone to support the development of credit unions in emerging communities, work he described as deeply rewarding and humbling.

Brendan’s dedication to community service doesn’t end with the Credit Union.

He has been an active volunteer across numerous initiatives: from youth organisations and festival committees, to leading a €2 million parish church renovation project.

He currently chairs the Board of Management at Largy College and sits as a Director of the “Peace Link” sports facility.

Perhaps most notably, he helped establish the Clones Hospice Homecare Movement and the County Monaghan Hospice Homecare Movement, both of which continue to provide vital care to local families more than 30 years later.

Speaking following his election, Brendan reaffirmed his deep-rooted values:

“Credit Unions are built on trust, community, and volunteering. As President, I will work tirelessly to strengthen our movement and ensure a prosperous future for all Credit Unions on the island of Ireland. It’s about safeguarding what we’ve built, and inspiring what we can become as a national movement.”

His vision for the ILCU is focused and forward-thinking; to support a strong, sustainable movement that stays true to its cooperative principles while responding to the evolving needs of members in a changing financial landscape.

Brendan’s election comes at a historic juncture, as representatives from three of Ireland’s founding credit unions — Clones, Derry, and Donore — now serve together at the helm of the League:

Patricia Doherty, of Derry Credit Union, takes up the role of Vice-President, bringing decades of experience in financial inclusion and sectoral strategy.

David McAuley, of Donore Credit Union, has been elected Treasurer, offering a wealth of knowledge in finance, risk management, and governance.

Together with Brendan, they form a leadership team grounded in tradition and driven by a shared commitment to progress and innovation.

For Clones, Brendan’s election is not just symbolic, it’s a continuation of a proud legacy.

The town has a distinguished place in the Credit Union story, having established the first credit union outside Dublin in 1959.

It played a central role in the founding of the Credit Union League of Ireland, now the ILCU, with Fr. Paddy Gallagher, a Clones native, serving as its first President in 1960.

In later years, another Clones man, Mr. Jim McMahon, held the presidency from 2000 to 2002.

Brendan Jenkins now becomes the third local to hold this esteemed office, further cementing Clones' reputation as a cornerstone of Ireland’s Credit Union movement.

This is more than a personal honour, it is a proud moment for Clones, and a promising new chapter for credit unions across the island.