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Irish credit union pioneer, John Hume passes away

The Board, staff and members of ABCUL are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) past President John Hume, after a short illness.

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Wednesday 17 January 2024

The Board, staff and members of ABCUL are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) past President John Hume, after a short illness.

John was one of the driving forces for the establishment of the credit union movement in Ireland and was a founding member of Derry Credit Union in 1960, Northern Ireland’s first credit union. In 1964 John Hume became the youngest ever President of the ILCU aged 27 years, and served in this position until 1968. He remained involved in the credit union movement throughout his life despite the life changing peace-making work he was involved in. In 2001, John was made a Life Director of the ILCU, only the second time this honour was bestowed, the other Life Director being Nora Herlihy, one of the founders of the ILCU.

In a statement on the ILCU website, the League said: “John Hume’s sense of social justice, compassion for ordinary people, and his belief in the strength of the cooperative movement was, and is, an inspiration to everyone involved in the credit union movement on the island of Ireland today. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him but his legacy will endure through the peace he created on this island and the credit union movement he helped build.”

Commenting on John’s passing, ABCUL CEO, Robert Kelly said: “On behalf of everyone involved with ABCUL we extend our sympathies and condolences to the credit union sector across the island of Ireland and in particular to Derry Credit Union and the Irish League of Credit Unions on the death of John Hume. His contribution to the credit union sector alongside his community activism was immense.   He was a true visionary who saw very early on the difference that a credit union model could make across communities by providing financial resilience and empowerment.

“Our thoughts first and foremost are with the John’s family and friends. To everyone that John inspired in his dedication to the credit union movement – his legacy provides our sustainable future.”

 

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