David Donagh
Director ILCU
David has been a director of Link Credit Union Limited since 2019, following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather as a director. He has completed a term as secretary and was recently elected as vice-chairman of Link CU. David is a primary school teacher in St Colmcille's SNS in Kells, Co. Meath, and has completed a secondment with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO).
David has just completed a Master's in Education & Training Management in DCU along with a Diploma in Education Law in the Law Society of Ireland. Alongside his role with the ILCU, David volunteers with Cavan Monaghan Education & Training Board, INTO and Saint Vincent de Paul.
What do you think is the greatest contribution that credit unions make?
Credit unions make a profound social and economic contribution by providing accessible, community-focused financial services that prioritise people over profit. Their not-for-profit ethos fosters financial inclusion, particularly for individuals who may otherwise struggle to access fair and affordable financial products. Beyond financial services, credit unions strengthen local communities by reinvesting in them, promoting financial wellbeing, and supporting members through education, advice, and community initiatives.
As an ILCU Board / Supervisory Committee member, what do you hope to achieve during your term?
During my term, I hope to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the credit union movement by ensuring that strategic decisions reflect both the needs of members and the evolving financial landscape. I aim to contribute to robust governance and compliance practices while promoting innovation and collaboration across the sector. Most importantly, I want to help ensure that credit unions remain true to their core values of community service, trust, and mutual support. As Chairperson of the National Youth Committee, I am committed to strengthening youth engagement across the credit union movement by empowering young members to see the value of community-focused financial services. I also aim to support and inspire the next generation of
volunteers, ensuring they have meaningful opportunities to contribute and lead within their credit unions.
If you were Minister of State for Credit Unions, what one change would you make?
I would work to modernise the legislative and regulatory framework to give credit unions greater flexibility to diversify their services while maintaining strong oversight and member protections. This would include enabling more collaborative initiatives and digital innovations, ensuring that credit unions can compete effectively in a changing financial sector while continuing to serve local communities with the personal touch that sets them apart.