CORK, Ireland–The Cork Chapter (XI) of Credit Unions of the Irish Credit Union League has published “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories,” a book about credit union volunteers in Cork.
The book launch took place at the Rochestown Park Hotel.
The book was created through a collaboration between Cork Credit Unions and the Centre for Co-operative Studies in University College Cork, according to TheCork.ie.
“It captures narratives, memories, anecdotes and experiences from credit union volunteers across Cork, as told in their own words,” according to the report. “The book uniquely captures the stories of the first volunteers and those that have followed them.”
TheCork.ie reported there is a “special connection” between the people of Cork and their credit unions.
“A key figure in the establishment of the Irish credit union movement in the 1950s was a Cork woman, Nora Herlihy. Her vision of ordinary people developing a better way of providing themselves financial service has been continued by volunteers since,” TheCork.ie reported. “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories is filled with touching and inspiring first-hand accounts.”
Interviews & Photographs
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories includes interviews and photographs of the volunteers who shaped Cork credit unions and those who continue to shape it today, TheCork.ie said, adding it also acts as a timeline of Cork credit unions, starting from humble beginnings and growing to become the most trusted and reputable financial service providers.
“The beautiful and inspiring stories detailed [in the book] capture the essence and unique nature of credit unions and their volunteers,” said Irish CU League CEO Gerry Thompson.