WOCCU Board Chairman Addresses Irish CU League

L.R. (Bobby) McVeigh presents an award at Killarney Credit Union's open house.

Killarney, Ireland—World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. (WOCCU)'s board chairman, L. R. (Bobby) McVeigh addressed Irish credit union leaders last week at the Bi-Annual Delegate Meeting held in Killarney, Ireland. ILCU, the credit union movement with the highest penetration rate of any credit union movement in the world – having 2,800,000 members – also enjoys the largest number of delegates. The Irish credit union system was founded, and is still shaped in great deal, by volunteer governance at all levels, from local to national.

ILCU board members pose for a photo at the Killarney Ireland Civic Reception.

In McVeigh's remarks to the ILCU membership he recognized the work of Irish credit unions, but noted that there is still more to do. "The wants for many of us are many and the actual needs are few. For example, for the price of three cups of tea in Ireland, you could support a child in certain parts of the developing world for a week. Credit union work is essential, and through your support of World Council that is happening," commented McVeigh.

The close of McVeigh's speech focused on development and how individuals can get involved. McVeigh paid special thanks to Jim McMahon, former WOCCU board member and ILCU board member, and John O'Reagan, outgoing ILCU board chairman, for their continued support of World Council and development work.

At the close of the meeting ILCU delegates officially elected their first female ILCU board chairman, Anne O'Bryne.

World Council of Credit Unions is the global trade association and development agency for credit unions. World Council promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. World Council advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.

World Council has implemented more than 290 technical assistance programs in 71 countries. Worldwide, 51,000 credit unions in 100 countries serve 196 million people. Learn more about World Council's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.