North West Credit Union Wins Prestigious Lending Team of the Year Award

North West Credit Union (NWCU) is delighted to announce that it has been named Lending Team of the Year at the recent Credit Union Awards ceremony in Dublin. The prestigious award, judged by an independent panel of experts, recognises excellence, innovation, member service and outstanding lending performance within the credit union sector.

The achievement marks another significant milestone for NWCU and follows the credit union's success in winning Volunteer of the Year at the national awards last year, highlighting the continued strength of both its volunteer ethos and professional team.

Over recent years, NWCU has experienced substantial growth, with lending increasing from €31 million in 2018 to €65.2 million in 2026, while continuing to place members and their financial wellbeing at the centre of everything it does.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award and were thrilled to have a team from North West Credit Union present at the ceremony to accept it on behalf of our members, staff, volunteers and directors.

To receive recognition from an independent panel of expert judges makes this award particularly meaningful. It is a tremendous endorsement of the exceptional work our team does every day to support members and communities across the region.

We are especially proud that this latest success follows our Volunteer of the Year award last year, demonstrating the strength of both our professional team and the volunteer ethos that remains at the heart of our credit union. Achieving national recognition in consecutive years is a reflection of the dedication, commitment and passion of everyone involved in North West Credit Union.

This recognition is also a celebration of all those who have contributed to making NWCU the credit union it is today. We are proud to acknowledge the generations of volunteers, staff, directors and members who believed in our vision and worked tirelessly to strengthen our credit union.

On a day like today, it is especially important to remember our roots and the people who gave their time so generously to the credit union movement. Given the award category, I would particularly like to recognise and thank Marie Mulligan, who dedicated more than 25 years of service on our Credit Committee and rarely missed a Tuesday evening meeting. Her commitment, alongside that of so many volunteers over the years, helped build the trusted credit union our members know today.

We also recognise the founding members of the credit union movement who, through their vision, commitment and personal sacrifice, established credit unions in towns and communities across Ireland. Their legacy continues to benefit generations of members and remains at the heart of everything we do.

This award belongs not only to our staff but also to our members. Their trust, loyalty and support through their savings and borrowing have enabled us to grow, innovate and continue investing in our communities. We are honoured that so many members choose NWCU as their lender of choice.”

The award also highlights the positive impact NWCU continues to make across the communities of Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon. Every day, the credit union helps members achieve important life goals while supporting local organisations, clubs and community initiatives. This commitment to people and place remains at the heart of everything NWCU does.

Commenting further, Orla Lee said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for our members, our communities and the entire North West region. It reflects what can be achieved when people come together with a shared commitment to supporting one another and building stronger local communities.

We are proud to be a member-owned organisation that continues to deliver modern financial services while staying true to the values on which the credit union movement was founded. This recognition belongs to everyone who has contributed to our journey, from our volunteers and staff, past and present, to the generations of members who have placed their trust in us.”

As NWCU celebrates this national recognition, the credit union remains focused on supporting members’ financial wellbeing, investing in local communities and providing accessible, responsible lending solutions across the North West. The award reflects not only the progress made by the organisation, but also the enduring strength of the credit union ethos and the collective efforts of members, volunteers and staff over many decades.

NWCU also acknowledges the vision and dedication of the pioneers of the credit union movement in Ireland, whose commitment to cooperation, financial inclusion and community development created a legacy that continues to benefit generations today. Their values remain a guiding influence as the credit union looks to the future and continues to serve its members and communities with pride.