The Credit Union Pod
The Irish League of Credit Unions is delighted to bring you 'The Credit Union Pod', a new podcast series aimed at all those with an interest in the development of credit unions across the island of Ireland.
With the recent departure of a number of banks from the Irish market, and the continued withdrawal of banking services from local communities, credit unions have a critical role to play in bringing real competition to the retail financial services sector.
This series, published by the Irish League of Credit Unions, will highlight the important role which credit unions play in serving more than three million members across the island. It will also outline the challenges and opportunities faced by credit unions in expanding their services in the areas of current accounts, mortgages, SME lending, community finance, agri and green lending and so much more.
If you have a suggestion on a topic which you'd like to see covered in a future edition of the Credit Union Pod, please click here to submit.
Episode 1 - The Economy & Credit Union Performance
In this episode we speak with economist Robert Maxwell and data analyst Dave Hewson about the economic landscape and how credit unions are performing within it.
Episode 2 – Community Lending in Credit Unions
In this episode, we were delighted to get the opportunity to discuss the important topic of community lending with Patrick Lawlor, Head of Professional Advisory Services at the ILCU, Donal Traynor, CEO of Community Finance Ireland, and David McCauley, CEO of Donore Credit Union.
Episode 3 - Growing the Loan Book
In this episode, Patrick Lawlor Head of Professional Advisory Services at the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) speaks with David Hewson, ILCU Data Analyst, Gerry Kelly, CEO of St. Colman's Credit Union in Claremorris, Naomi Masterson, CEO of Enfield Credit Union, and Triona Fitzgerald, Head of Lending & Business Development at Nenagh Credit Union about all things lending.
Episode 4 - Volunteering in the Credit Union Movement
In episode 4 (Part 1), Barry Harrington, Head of Advocacy & Regulatory Affairs at the Irish League of Credit Unions speaks with Mark Johnston, ILCU Volunteer Engagement Manager and ILCU President, Martin Busch about his experience volunteering with the credit union and his role as President, and ongoing work in relation to Chapter and CUAC report findings.
Episode 5 - Volunteering in the CU Movement - Challenges and Opportunities
In episode 5, Barry Harrington, Head of Advocacy & Regulatory Affairs at the Irish League of Credit Unions and Mark Johnston, ILCU Volunteer Engagement Manager, chat with Denise Hayward, CEO of Volunteer Now and Nina Arwitz, CEO of Volunteer Ireland about the trends in volunteering and the challenges and opportunities for credit unions.
Episode 6 - Growing the Loan Book in NI
David Hewson, ILCU Data Analyst, along with Marianne Cushley, from the ILCU Brand and Member Experience team, are joined by 3 credit union managers in Northern Ireland who have achieved strong lending growth in recent years. The credit union managers are Geraldine Dawson from Newtownhamilton Credit Union, Roisin O'Reilly from Waterside Credit Union Limited and Angela Hegarty from Bannvale Credit Union Limited. In this episode of the podcast we discuss what lending strategies have contributed to their positive loan growth.
Episode 7 - The Minimum Competency Code
In this episode, Paul Hamill, Learning Advisor with CU Learning and Development discusses the latest update to MCC regulation with Siobhan McKenna, Senior Compliance Officer at the ILCU Compliance Centre, Vikki Mernagh, Risk and Compliance Officer at Wexford Credit Union, and Bridget Hynes, CEO at Ballyfermot Inchicore Credit Union.
Episode 8 - Market Uncertainty
A conversation between Barry Harrington, Head of Advocacy at the Irish League of Credit Unions and Dr. Alan O' Sullivan, Founder of Priya Wealth Management.
Episode 9 - ILCU Conference Belfast 205 – ILCU President, Martin Busch and Minister Robert Troy.
The opening address from ILCU President Martin Busch, welcome message from Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy in Northern Ireland, and opening address from Robert Troy, Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions & Insurance.
Episode 10 : ILCU Conference Belfast 205 – Address by Domhnall Cullinan, Central Bank of Ireland
Address by Domhnall Cullinan, Director of Banking & Payments, Central Bank of Ireland at the ILCU's 2025 Credit Union Sector Conference.
Episode 11 - Leading with Impact - Joanne Hession
Joanne Hession, Founder and CEO of LIFT Ireland explores how strong leadership is essential for the future of credit unions and how every individual has the potential to lead and drive change within our communities.
Episode 12 - Matt Fullbrook - Good Governance Without Compromise on Purpose
Targeted at Non-Executive Directors & CEOs, this session, is hosted by Matt Fullbrook, corporate governance expert, educator and enthusiast. Matt has advised over 250 boardrooms across North America.
Episode 13 - ILCU Conference Belfast 2025 - Andrew Keating - The Musgrave Group Story
Andrew Keating, CFO of Musgrave Group, shares the remarkable story of how the company navigated challenges by uniting its people and partners. His insights highlight the power of collaboration, resilience, and leadership—values that resonate deeply with credit unions.