Pennyburn Credit Union turns 60

On Saturday 6th June 2026, exactly sixty years after Pennyburn Credit Union was founded, we gathered at the Everglades Hotel to celebrate a remarkable milestone.

It was an evening filled with memories, laughter and plenty of stories as past and present volunteers, directors, staff and friends of the Credit Union came together to reflect on six decades of service to our community. For many, it was more than a celebration. It was a reunion.

Former colleagues who had not seen each other in years picked up conversations as though no time had passed. Familiar faces shared memories of Friday nights in New Street, office moves through the years and the countless people who helped shape Pennyburn Credit Union into what it is today.

Throughout the evening, there was a strong sense of gratitude for the founders, volunteers, directors and staff who dedicated their time and energy to building something truly special. But there was also recognition that none of it would have been possible without our members.

For sixty years, generations of local people have chosen to save, borrow and place their trust in Pennyburn Credit Union. Families who opened accounts for their children have watched those children grow up and open accounts for families of their own. Through good times and difficult times, our members have remained at the heart of everything we do.

In his address to guests, CEO Frank Doherty reflected on the values that have guided Pennyburn Credit Union since 1966: “This credit union was not built by buildings or balance sheets. It was built by individuals who believed in something better for their community.”

Frank spoke about the generations of volunteers, directors, staff and members who have helped shape the organisation over the past six decades and reflected on the personal impact Pennyburn Credit Union has had on his own life.

We were honoured to welcome Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, who praised the positive impact Pennyburn Credit Union has had on local families and communities throughout the district.

We were also delighted to welcome President of the Irish League of Credit Unions, Brendan Jenkins, who joined us in celebrating this significant milestone and presented commemorative coins to staff members who have dedicated more than twenty-five years of service to Pennyburn Credit Union: Michael Doherty, Joanne O’Brien, Siobhan Ferry, Suzanne Cassidy-Charlesworth, Paula Nash & former staff member, Sheila McDaid. Those recipients have provided an incredible combined 166 years of service to our members and community.

As photographs from decades gone by appeared on screen, many guests found themselves reminiscing about former colleagues, volunteers, directors and members who played an important role in our journey. While much has changed since 1966, one thing remains exactly the same: Pennyburn Credit Union continues to be built on people helping people.

As we celebrate our 60th Anniversary, we do so with immense gratitude to everyone who has been part of our story – our members, volunteers, directors, staff and supporters, past and present.

Most of all, we thank our members. This milestone belongs to you as much as it belongs to us. Thank you for your loyalty, trust and support over the past sixty years.

Here’s to the next sixty years