In November 1967, Rev C.D. O’Riordan, Prior, Holy Cross formed a study group with a view to establishing a credit union in Tralee. In keeping with Nora Herlihy’s motto “No Study, No Credit Union” they studied hard examining the concept, formation and running of a credit union.

Using their own money they pooled together nearly £50 as the starting capital needed to form the credit union.

Founding members of Tralee Credit Union Ltd Study Group: left to right: Denis Foley, Sean Moriarty, Tommy Quinlan, Paddy Dillane, Geoffrey O’Donoghue, Rev C.D. O’Riordan, Prior Holy Cross, Lauri Healy, John Malone, John Ryan. Missing from the photo Tony Meade.

Founding members of Tralee Credit Union Ltd Study Group: left to right: Denis Foley, Sean Moriarty, Tommy Quinlan, Paddy Dillane, Geoffrey O’Donoghue, Rev C.D. O’Riordan, Prior Holy Cross, Lauri Healy, John Malone, John Ryan. Missing from the photo Tony Meade.

 

Today that pool of funds has grown to €320 Million in Local Members Savings.

Key Dates

18th of February 1968: Tralee Credit Union opens in T.C.L.S. Building in Tralee
1980: Tralee Credit Union opens offices in Castleisland and Ardfert
2012: Tralee C.I.E. Credit Union merges with Tralee Credit Union
2015: Killorglin Credit Union merges with Tralee Credit Union
29th of March 2018: Tralee Credit Union changes its name to Cara Credit Union
2021: Clanmaurice Credit Union, with branches in Ballyduff and Causeway, merges with Cara Credit Union
2023: Comhar Chreidmheasa Chorca Dhuibhne Teoranta, merges with Cara Credit Union

Our History