Stamp of Approval for Credit Union

23 April 2008

The stamp features the logo of the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) marking the Credit Union Movement in Ireland from 1958 to 2008. The stamp and First Day Cover were designed by Ger Garland.

Ireland’s first credit union was established in 1958 on Donore Avenue in Dublin 8. It was set up by Nora Herlihy, a schoolteacher, and her colleagues in the Dublin Central Co-operative Society. Today, credit unions in Ireland serve more than three million members, with savings totalling over €13 billion.

The Credit Union Movement, 50th Anniversary stamp and First Day Cover are available at the Philatelic Shop, GPO, Dublin 1, selected Post Offices nationwide or www.irishstamps.ie

Ends

Notes to the Editor

The first credit union was established in the 1850’s by Franz Herman Schulze-Delitzsch. The guiding principles of the movement were later formalised by Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen. 

In Ireland credit unions form an important part of the community, they aim to improve the lives of their members, are non-sectarian, non-political and continue the Irish tradition of co-operative self help.