Latest news with #TheLoughCreditUnion
Irish Examiner
29-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Patrick Coughlan named Cork Person of the Month for helping people in financial difficulty
A man whose work has helped thousands of people in financial difficulty for over 40 years has been named Cork Person of the Month for May. In the early 1990s, Patrick Coughlan helped set up a free service in the Cork city credit union where he worked – a service that proved hugely successful and ultimately evolved into the nationwide Money and Budgeting Advice Service (MABS). Cork Person of the Year awards organiser Manus O'Callaghan said Mr Coughlan has dedicated his career to helping those most in need. 'His work has provided a vital safety net for thousands of individuals and families facing financial hardship,' he said. 'His passion, vision and tireless advocacy has made a lasting difference, and his contributions to financial well-being in Cork and beyond will not be forgotten.' Mr Coughlan's journey with MABS began in the early 1990s, when he was working in the Lough Credit Union on the southside of Cork City. He and his colleague, Brendan Roche, decided to develop a structured approach to help members who were overwhelmed by financial difficulties. Recognising the need for a sustainable solution, they established an income and expenditure system that prioritised essential living expenses while ensuring regular repayments to creditors. Their approach to helping people in financial distress was strengthened by partnerships they helped forge with Cork City Council, Cork County Council, utility companies and financial institutions, who all agreed to facilitate the introduction of manageable repayment plans for those in financial crisis. As the impact of their MABS initiative grew, support was secured from the Combat Poverty Agency and the then-Department of Social Welfare, which allowed the fledgling service to expand its reach. What began as a local project soon evolved into a nationwide initiative and network. Mr Coughlan, who retired as manager and financial controller of The Lough Credit Union in 2015, is still the acting chair of South Munster MABS and he continues to play a key role in guiding the organisation. In 2024, the MABS national helpline handled 23,525 calls while South Munster MABS assisted 1,908 new clients, demonstrating the continued need for the service. Mr Coughlan said: MABS was born out of a real need to support individuals and families trapped in financial distress. 'Seeing the service grow from a small initiative at The Lough Credit Union to a nationwide support system has been incredibly rewarding. 'At the heart of MABS is the belief that everyone deserves financial stability, and I am proud to play a part in that journey.' Mr Coughlan's name now goes forward alongside the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year, who will be announced at the annual gala awards lunch next January. Read More West Cork town to celebrate 200 years of the first lifeboat in Courtmacsherry
Irish Examiner
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Lap the Lough: Fundraiser aiming to line popular Cork amenity with coins to help sick children
A unique charity fundraiser is set to take place at the Lough in Cork city this June Bank Holiday weekend. People are invited to 'Lap the Lough' with coins in aid of Cork City Hospitals' Children's Club from 11am to 2pm on June 2, creating a full circle of euro coins in a ring of hope that will help bring sick children to Disneyland Paris. The event aims to raise funds for the chosen charity, Cork City Hospitals' Children's Club, which works tirelessly to make dreams come true for young patients, organising once-in-a-lifetime adventures, sending sick children on trips to Disneyland Paris and organising Santa visits for sick children at Christmas. 'Lap the Lough' is being organised by former lord mayor Mick Finn, entrepreneur Ernest Cantillon, singer-songwriter Pat Fitzgibbon, chairperson of Cork City Hospitals' Children's Club John Looney, as well as Eimear McCarthy and Emer O'Mahony, who are on a mission to bring businesses and the wider Cork community together to support on the day. People are being asked to break into their piggy banks and bring €1 or €2 coins to the fundraiser on Monday, June 2 in an attempt to line the whole Lough with coins. Speaking ahead of the event, organiser Ernest Cantillon, said: 'Break into your change jar or piggy bank to bring €2 or €1 coins to this novel fundraiser, or you can exchange your notes or cards for coins onsite to create a ring right around the inside path of the Lough. 'We are hoping to literally surround The Lough with kindness. Whether you give €2 or €200, you're part of something magical.' Chairperson of Cork City Hospitals' Children's Club, John Looney, thanked the Cork community for getting behind the event which he described as 'the craziest we have ever done'. 'There's something very special about this event. It's about showing up, giving what you can, and doing something simple, but powerful, for kids who really need a lift,' he said. People are being asked to break into their piggy banks and bring €1 or €2 coins to the fundraiser on Monday, June 2 in an attempt to line the whole Lough with coins. Picture: Dan Linehan Volunteers, including those from The Lough Scouts and The Lough Credit Union, will be on hand on the day to direct people to their own station around The Lough, where they'll get to place the coins themselves, metre by metre, in a powerful symbol of unity, compassion, and community spirit. Those who cannot join on the day but would like to support the cause can make advance donations. Businesses, local clubs or schools can sponsor a metre of coins for €20. Businesses and organisation who would like to make a donation can email lapthelough@ or visit the dedicated Go Fund Me Page.
