Rathkeale & District Credit Union Limited was established in 1975 by a subcommittee of the Rathkeale Community Council. The idea was strongly promoted and encouraged by James O Kelly and Canon Costelloe. A £10 contribution from each member of the council provided the initial seed capital to commence business. Rathkeale & District Credit Union Limited first opened for business, in rented premises o
n Main Street, Rathkeale, in May 1975. The first loan was issued on July 4th, 1975 for the princely sum of £100! An operating loss of £206 was incurred in the initial year. However, by September 1977 matters had improved and a surplus of £916 was generated. Loan balances at the end of September 1977 amounted to £17,508. Over the years Rathkeale & District Credit has steadily grown and today has assets of over € 37 million and membership of over 7,200.