Archives: News & Events

The Birches Alzheimer Day Centre – Dundalk

An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund in 2019.

The Birches, a state-of-the-art facility, is an integral and much-loved part of Dundalk’s community. The team deliver specialist daycare services for people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or Alzheimer related Dementia.  All of its branch members work in a totally voluntary capacity, working hard to create an atmosphere of welcome, relaxation and respect for all.  It is an oasis and a sanctuary for all its members and a listening ear and practical support for their families and carers.

From the warmth of the mini-bus collecting “The Club Members” to the fire lit to welcome them, every thought is about making A Day at the Birches a real Home from Home experience.  Whilst some clients require a great deal of care the atmosphere in the centre does not highlight their differences. It lets everyone feel comfortable and included.

The Birches is partially funded by the HSE North East and has to fund the remaining 60% of annual running costs to continue the present level of care. Every euro raised goes to the running of The Birches Services and their new Outreach Service in Grange, Carlingford.

With the support of the Dundalk Credit Union, Olive and her team can extend the already successful programme of Art and Music Therapies and continue with their Cognitive Stimulation Therapy.

Mark Toner, COO, of Dundalk Credit Union said “Dundalk Credit Union instantly recognised the incredible work of all those involved at The Birches, they provide much-needed care, compassion and practical support to help improve the lives of their clients and their families. We are delighted to support The Birches, as they continue their great work for the community of Dundalk.”

Contact The Birches

If you would like to speak to anyone about any of the services provided by The Birches, please phone 042-9351388.

An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union‘s Community Support Fund in 2019.

The centre at Lordship is a purpose built, bright and friendly residential facility that provides a much welcomed, home from home, space for children with autism, intellectual, physical or sensory disabilities. The children, who range in age from 6 to 18 years, are referred to the service by the Louth HSE Respite Referral Team. The service provides respite care for up to 12 children each week.

The surrounding landscape of the centre stills the heart and calms the soul, all much needed for both child and family members. Offering a personalised and individual care plan from the front door, each child can spend time learning and having fun. Letting a child just be a child.

“For many children, the service is their ‘sleepover club’. They come to our centre to meet their friends and do what they see their siblings do, albeit in an environment that works for them.” Paula Hanlon, spokesperson for the centre.

With the changing needs of the children, the team at the Maria Goretti Foundation can’t stand still, with ambitious expansion plans already under way.

Mark Toner, Dundalk Credit Union added “What captured our hearts at Dundalk Credit Union was the dedication and drive shown by the team at the Maria Goretti Foundation, making the centre a place where children and their families can recharge, reconnect and reenergise. The Sensory Garden facility is yet another clear indication to Dundalk Credit Union of the imagination and creativity of the team, making every effort to make a stay here a memorable and inclusive one. “

Contact the Maria Goretti Foundation

If you would like to speak to anyone about any of the services provided by The Maria Goretti Foundation, please phone 042- 9376094.

Community Support Fund

We are proud of the strong connections we have built with community groups, sporting organisations, charities and schools within our local and wider community. In keeping with the importance we place on giving back to the community, in the past decade Dundalk Credit Union has donated over €500,000 to local community and voluntary projects in Dundalk and surrounding areas.

In 2017, we took the opportunity to create the Community Support Fund to allow us to communicate and share the stories of the organisations that we are supporting. In 2018, we donated in excess of €100,000 to community groups, supports and organisations, championing those in our community who give back and also those who gain great benefit from community groups and organisations.

We are welcoming requests to become a recipient to our 2019/2020 Community Support Fund from October 2019.

Representatives of numerous community, charity and voluntary groups along with a host of invited guests gathered in Creative Spark complex last Thursday 30th November to attend the Launch of the Dundalk Credit Union Community Support Fund which recognizes and supports the amazing work that community/voluntary groups do for the local community.

At the event Tom D’Arcy, Chairman of Dundalk Credit Union, said “Dundalk Credit Union has become one of the largest and strongest Credit Unions in the country primarily due to the support and loyalty of the people and community of Dundalk and surrounding areas. We therefore see it as important that we in turn support the many community and voluntary groups in Dundalk and beyond who do so much for so many.”

A specially commissioned Community Video by Joy McKeon was displayed on the evening in which representatives from each of the Community Support Fund Recipients described, in their own words, the work their organisations do on a daily basis in the heart of our community and how important the financial support from Dundalk Credit Union was to them.

Dundalk Credit Union presents a spectacular performance of “Requiem Marbhna”

Dundalk Credit Union were delighted, as part of their 50th anniversary program of celebrations, to collaborate with DkIT to present a spectacular performance of the highly acclaimed Requiem-Marbhna in St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday 16th December 2019. With over 80 musicians on stage including the Garda Band, staff and students from DkIT, the Ardee Concert Band, the Tredagh singers, Dundalk’s own Zoe Conway and other local soloists and players, the performance took full advantage of the wonderful acoustics in St. Patrick’s Cathedral to provide a memorable night’s entertainment for the people of Dundalk.

The performance of a Requiem Marbhna in the Irish language was composed by Odhrán Ó Casaide and set out to explore the beauty of sean nós voice, together with orchestra, classical solo voices, traditional and early music instruments. Inspired by the original pioneering work of Seán O Riada, the performance of this powerful piece seamlessly brought together the Irish traditional and classical genres and featured the captivating voice of Sibéal. The conductor was Inspector Pat Kenny of the Garda Band.

Since its foundation in 1968, Dundalk Credit Union has had a long history of giving back to the community it serves; All proceeds from the event were donated to three very deserving local charities; Dundalk SVP, Dundalk Simon Community & St. Patrick’s Parish Soup Kitchen.