Killarney Credit Union has been named ‘Members Choice Credit Union of the Year’ at the 2025 All-Ireland Credit Union Awards, held in Dublin on Saturday night.

The award, the only one based entirely on member nominations and votes, recognises outstanding service, innovation, and community commitment.

Killarney Credit Union CEO Mark Murphy said the team was honoured to receive national recognition from the people they serve.

“This award means the world to us because it comes directly from our members,” he said. “It reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and Board who work tirelessly to support the community every day.”

Chairperson Joy Clifford-Vaughan also expressed gratitude to members for their continued trust and support.

“This recognition reinforces our mission to remain a trusted financial partner for individuals and families across South and East Kerry,” she said.

The All-Ireland Credit Union Awards celebrate excellence across more than 200 credit unions nationwide, highlighting achievements in areas such as innovation, community impact, and sustainability.

Killarney businessman Pat O’Leary, chair of the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, has been appointed as a director to the board of Tourism Ireland, the body responsible for marketing the island overseas as a holiday destination.

The appointment was approved at a North South Ministerial Council meeting on 17 October 2025, alongside fellow new board member Des Annett. Ruth Andrews and Stephen McNally were reappointed for a further term.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, welcomed the appointments, saying:
“I am delighted to welcome two new appointees, Pat O’Leary and Des Annett, to the Board of Tourism Ireland and warmly congratulate them on their appointments. I wish the members well as they undertake important roles in supporting the tourism industry on the island of Ireland.”

Pat O’Leary, who retired as managing director of Liebherr Container Cranes, became chair of the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation in January 2020. The Federation was formed from a countywide forum of tourism employers and businesspeople, aiming to strengthen collaboration across the sector.