Tribute - Paddy Kennedy, a man who was known to many in Kilkenny as Mr Credit Union

Not many people are fortunate enough to become legends in their own lifetime but one such person was Pat Kennedy, who was known for a generation in Kilkenny as Paddy Kennedy - Mr Credit Union. Scroll down to read more and click NEXT to continue.

When Ireland qualify for a major sporting event the crowd goes ‘let’s visit the Credit Union’. In Kilkenny the call was see Paddy Kennedy and in latter years see the two Paddies, when Paddy Fry joined the staff at St Canice’s Credit Union.

When you had a financial crisis or wanted to improve your life the Credit Union was your first port of call where Paddy was always willing to help, advise and sort out the financial implications.

If you worked in the Credit Union numerous loan forms would have ‘see PK’ attached. This was an instruction to staff to consult with Paddy regarding a loan he would have invariably sorted for the member  with the Credit Committee for cars, holidays, furniture, a death etc. All human life passed through the Credit Union’s doors.

The local branch of the Credit Union was founded by a group of St Canice’s parishioners aided by a group of trade union activists in Smithwick’s brewery operating on Saturday nights in the Butts Green in the St Vincent de Paul House.

“It all began with a white Cortina” was the headline on an interview with Paddy by Enda McEvoy on his retirement. Paddy, then manager of Lipton’s, one of the major grocery stores in Kilkenny located at the corner of Friary Street (now part of Paul’s shop) usually travelled from his home in Assumption Place by bicycle. One day a lady told him as manager he should have a car. In 1960s Ireland most people purchased cars on hire purchase at an interest rate of 30%.

Pat joined the Credit Union as member 306 and got his first car, a white Cortina at 12% and retained it for almost a decade. I can remember Pat, arriving on the dot of 9pm every Saturday like clockwork, on his way home from work making his weekly repayment. He was soon invited to join the Board in 1966.

Brave decision
In December 1968 the board decided to purchase 67 High Street and appoint a manager. It was a huge boost to the Credit Union and a very brave decision on Paddy’s part to leave his secure job with Lipton’s and throw in his lot with the Credit Union; a fledgling organisation with no guarantee of success - it would be the same now as if the manager of Dunnes Stores resigned to join a new untested financial institution.

Paddy came with a huge reputation as a very successful operator. Paddy’s premises was renowned for first class produce excellently presented.

Under Paddy’s guidance the Board’s decision to appoint staff and go full time on High Street was vindicated as, at the end of 1969, everything had approximately doubled. Savings £79,914 (£34,680 in 1968), membership 1560 (777 in 1968) and loans £168,127 (£91804 in 1968). When Paddy retired in 1995 the assets stood at £28.5 million, loans were £22 million and a staff of 25.

Paddy was always very diligent and a hard worker. In summer 1968 I can recall him telling me that he had lots of time on his hands. I assured him that it would soon change and enjoy it while he could.

He oversaw many developments during his tenure. In 1976 the Credit Union moved to its present premises 78 High Street. He oversaw a major renovation when the Credit Union moved temporarily to the Shopping Arcade. Likewise, there were several changes of passbook, machine accounting culminating in computerisation in 1979. Paddy was always in complete control and oversaw all developments, including expanding to a six-day week in his usual efficient manner.