Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union: A Journey Through Our History

Welcome to the History of Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union

We are delighted to welcome you to this special page dedicated to the story of Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union. Here, you will discover the journey of a credit union established by teachers, for teachers, and how it has grown to become one of the most progressive and member-focused financial cooperatives in Ireland.

This page provides an overview of our origins, our commitment to supporting the teaching community, and the values that make us unique. You will find a graphical overview of our financial growth, links to detailed historical blogs, a listing of our officers through the years, opportunities to share your own memories, access to annual reports, and a gallery for historical photos.

We invite you to explore, engage, and contribute your own stories and milestones as we celebrate the legacy and future of Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union.

Comhar Linn Through the Years

Early Days of Comhar Linn: 1981–1992

The foundation of Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union in 1981 marked the beginning of a unique financial cooperative, created by teachers for the benefit of teachers. In these formative years, the credit union was nurtured by the INTO, starting as a small initiative within the teaching community and growing steadily through a commitment to excellence and member service. 
 

During this period, the credit union established its core values of personal service, financial support, and a cooperative spirit. The Board was made up of members from the INTO community, ensuring that the needs of teachers remained at the heart of every decision. Deduction at source was introduced as a key feature, making saving and loan repayments easy and accessible for members. 
 

The early years were defined by a strong sense of purpose and community, laying the groundwork for the growth and innovation that would follow in later decades. For a detailed account of this era, please visit the dedicated blog by Austin Corcoran.

Modern History of Comhar Linn: 1992–Present

From 1992 onwards, Comhar Linn has evolved into a modern, consumer-driven cooperative, serving over 29,500 members and recognised as one of Ireland’s strongest and most progressive credit unions. We have continued to innovate, introducing new financial products and services tailored to the needs of teachers, always competitive loan rates, current accounts, budget accounts, and digital banking solutions.

The credit union’s commitment to member-focused service, and financial sustainability has remained central to our mission. Successive Boards, have guided the credit union through periods of growth and transformation, always prioritising the well-being of its members.

For a comprehensive account of developments, milestones, and member stories from 1992 to the present, please visit the dedicated blog by John Carr.

List of Officers (1981–Present)

Since its foundation in 1981, Comhar Linn has been guided by dedicated Boards of Directors. The leadership and commitment of these individuals have played a crucial role in shaping the credit union’s direction, ensuring a strong focus on member needs, and fostering a spirit of cooperation and service. Here is a selection of the Officer positions, a full list of officers from 1981 to the present day is available here

Chair

Eileen Martin


Vice Chair

Eileen Martin


Treasurer

Michael McHugh


Secretary

Maire Ní Laoithe


Chair

Geraldine O Keefe


Vice Chair

Geraldine O Keefe


Treasurer

Michael McHugh


Secretary

Maire Ní Laoithe


Chair

Máire Ní Laoithe


Vice Chair

Brendan Kelly


Treasurer

Denis Desmond


Secretary

Jimmy O'Neill


Chair

Brendan Kelly


Vice Chair

Owen McCarthy


Treasurer

Denis Desmond


Secretary

Jimmy O'Neill


Chair

Dympna MulKerrin


Vice Chair

Helen Synnott


Treasurer

Denis Desmond


Secretary

Jimmy O'Neill


Chair

Helen Synnott


Vice Chair

Austin Corcoran


Treasurer

Denis Desmond


Secretary

Jimmy O'Neill


Chair

Austin Corcoran


Vice Chair

John Carr


Treasurer

Denis Desmond


Secretary

Jimmy O'Neill


Chair

John Carr


Vice Chair

Geraldine O'Keefe


Treasurer

Denis Desmond


Secretary

Jimmy O'Neill


Chair

Jimmy O Neill


Vice Chair

Jimmy O Neill


Treasurer


Secretary

Helen Synnott


Chair

Sheila Nunan


Vice Chair

Dympna Mulkerrin


Treasurer


Secretary

John Tuohy


Chair

John Tuohy


Vice Chair

Henry Thynne


Treasurer


Secretary

Ciara Reilly


If you have information or updates regarding past or present officers, please contact us so we can ensure our records are as complete and accurate as possible.

Community Comments and Milestone Memories

At Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union, our members are at the heart of everything we do. We value your stories, experiences, and the milestones that have shaped our community over the years. This section is dedicated to gathering your feedback and celebrating the collective memories that make our credit union unique.

  • Share your key milestones or memorable moments of Comhar Linn.
  • Tell us how the credit union has supported you, your family, or your school community.
  • Reflect on the changes and growth you have witnessed as a member.

Your feedback helps us improve, learn, and continue to serve you better. Please use the comments section below to contribute your thoughts and memories. We look forward to hearing from you!

Your feedback helps us improve, learn, and continue to serve you better. Please use the comments section below to contribute your thoughts and memories. We look forward to hearing from you!

Your feedback helps us improve, learn, and continue to serve you better. Please use the comments section below to contribute your thoughts and memories. We look forward to hearing from you!

Annual Reports Download (1981–Present)

Accessing our annual reports allows members and stakeholders to review the financial performance, governance, and strategic direction of Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union over the years. These reports provide transparency and insight into our operations, reflecting our commitment to accountability and member-focused service.

  • Download annual reports for each year from 1984 to the present.
  • Review key financial statements, board reports, and highlights from each year.
  • Stay informed about the credit union’s progress, achievements, and ongoing initiatives.
Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery: Upload and View Historical Images

Our history is brought to life through the images and memories of our members. This section is dedicated to collecting and sharing photographs that capture the milestones, events, and people who have shaped Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union since 1981.

  • Upload your historical photos and help us build a visual archive of our journey together.
  • Browse the gallery to view images from key moments in our credit union’s history.
  • Celebrate the achievements and community spirit that define Comhar Linn INTO Credit Union.

Photo Gallery Upload & Viewing Area

If you have images to share, please use the upload feature above. All contributions are welcome and will help preserve the legacy of our credit union for future generations.