Customers to get more at Headford credit union

AT a time of severe contraction across the whole finance and banking sector, the St Jarlath's Credit Union branch in Headford is bucking the trend by agreeing with suggestions from its customers that it should increase its opening hours as well as remain open during lunchtime.[private] 'Demand for our services has increased dramatically and it is a vote of confidence in the area that we are now increasing our opening hours,' says Michael Culkeen, Manager of St Jarlath's Credit Union. From this week onwards the branch will be open every Wednesday from 10 am to 5 pm, on Fridays from 10 am to 5.30 and on Saturdays from 10 am to 2.30 pm. 'The office will remain open during lunch time on all those days,' says Michael Culkeen. He says that all five sub offices, as well as the head office,  are busier than ever  and the personal service given to customers is attracting new business all the time. There will be a major launch of the extended opening hours in Headford at the branch this Saturday with an open day from 2 to 4 pm with refreshments for all and advice from experts on all the services available from the credit union. The results of an art competition involving children from the schools in the Headford area will also be announced at the celebrations at 4 pm on Saturday. 'We are delighted to be putting our members first by having longer opening hours to facilitate everybody. Working in response to the needs of the community is something that we are pleased to do,' concluded Michael Culkeen.[/private]