Each has a very hands-on approach when it comes to working with our clients. We put people first. When our clients call with a query, they hear a familiar voice at the end of the phone. They know the face who is at the other end of an email. Our change-makers are on the ground, supporting communities, meeting clients and making an impact in their regions.

We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Our next Change-Maker is Mary Nohilly, the Client Relationship Manager for the Connacht and Donegal region.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

I am involved in the coaching and management of my local under 12 camogie team in Abbeyknockmoy, Co. Galway. I feel very privileged to be part of a group of volunteers who are nurturing the next generation of camogie players.

I run with the local running club, where we meet as a group of like-minded individuals each week to do a long run, we enjoy running and chatting, and we put the worlds to right on those runs.

I played mothers and others with my local football team last season which I really enjoyed, and provided lots of laugher but think I will stick with the running going forward.

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

Craughwell A.C – which is the largest juvenile athletic club in Ireland. They have undergone a massive 10-year development with the support of CFI, which involved developing floodlights, sprint lanes & long jump, cross country track, roadway & carpark, indoor exercise facility plus toilets & changing facilities, and ground works for high jump. They have recently been approved Sports Capital Grant funding to build a Regional Jump centre. Through volunteerism, determination and hard work they have built a wonderful amenity for the local community to enjoy.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

Michael Coleman, three-time All-Star and All-Ireland winner with County Galway who recently passed away. He was always a hero growing up, as not only did he excel for his county but played a major role in developing his local hurling club in Abbeyknockmoy. He was a humble man who quietly went about making his community a better place to live.

He was inspirational across many voluntary groups in the parish of Abbeyknockmoy, involved in the parish council, organising the old folks party and developing a state-of-the-art astro facility for the Abbeyknockmoy Hurling Club as well as his years coaching and holding various officer roles within the club. He was a fantastic role model for young and upcoming hurlers, and I have not met anyone like him, the way he was able to organise and galvanise a whole community to better the facilities for those living in the locality.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

Sport for me has given me numerous benefits such as better health and improved wellbeing, but most of all wonderful friendships. As I moved from Dublin to Abbeyknockmoy 12 years ago, it really helped me settle in and provided me with a wonderful circle of like-minded friends.

My son and daughter play a variety of sports such as GAA, soccer, rugby, gymnastics and swimming which not only keeps them fit but strengthens their friendships and teaches them valuable life lessons and skills around hard work, determination, winning and losing and been part of a team.

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

3, there’s always plenty of room for improvement!

If you and your team, have a dream that could make a difference in your community, we’re here to listen. Whether you want to change something by solving a problem or creating an opportunity, we want to hear what you have to say. Get in touch with us today.

The post Meet Our Sports Change-Makers: Mary Nohilly appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Each has a very hands-on approach when it comes to working with our clients. We put people first. When our clients call with a query, they hear a familiar voice at the end of the phone. They know the face who is at the other end of an email. Our change-makers are on the ground, supporting communities, meeting clients and making an impact in their regions.

We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Our next Change-Maker is Lita Notte, Head of Marketing and Communications from Cork City and living in the idyllic Carlingford.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

As a young child/teenager I got involved in sport as it was the only real way to have some time and chats with my Dad – who played football until he was actually 48 and his legs failed. I spent many cold dark evenings running behind him as he was a key volunteer for the local Togher Athletics Club.

Athletics and basketball were my sports of choice. I won some medals and captained my secondary school basketball team in Cork City. Tuesday and Thursday nights were training and Saturday was usually a game or a run somewhere – all of which was organised by parents and local teachers. I guess I didn’t realise then that they ultimately were the volunteering community who helped us all have fun and find friends whilst staying happy and safe.

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

Our client Finn Valley AFC in Donegal is a wonder to me. With my background in athletics I understood first-hand how that type of facility would help all the athletics around the hinterland feel like they could run at any speed and at any length. It was a stark contrast to the training facilities available to us in Cork back in our day. The team here focus on fostering opportunity and that is also to be admired. Opportunities exist for all their members to strive for excellence and compete to their personal best. They really have built a world class sporting facility that you would expect in a capital city – not a rural location in Ireland.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

Martina Navratilova tennis champion extraordinaire. She helped put female tennis on a level playing field. Both on the court and off it she was a trailblazer. It’s thanks to athletes like her that pay differences were addressed and that physical strength not just prettiness was the new norm. Her story off court was just as exemplary – her quiet but effective method of promoting differences and protecting athletes’ private lives from intrusion, were ahead of her time. Sport and sometimes our communities need role models that push us to accept who we are is really all we need to be. Nowadays when watching Wimbledon on TV I’m thrilled to see her front and centre in the BBC commentary panel. She was and is a voice for all independent and confident women.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

Although I don’t compete anymore or even play sport much these days (sea swimming is my new fix) I remember how sport helped us a family have fun and be together. It definitely helped me understand the importance of teamwork. My family continue to connect across sporting events (recent Olympics was a great Whatsapp driver) and when I see local cars pulling kids up outside local pitches or clubs I’m reminded that both memories and adults are being made right there.

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

I think I can only be honest and give myself a 2+ at this stage. But it means I have something to strive for – and as any sporting enthusiast will tell you having something to strive for is the best situation to be in.

If you and your team, have a dream that could make a difference in your community, we’re here to listen. Whether you want to change something by solving a problem or creating an opportunity, we want to hear what you have to say. Get in touch with us today.

The post Meet Our Sports Change-Makers: Lita Notte appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Each has a very hands-on approach when it comes to working with our clients. We put people first. When our clients call with a query, they hear a familiar voice at the end of the phone. They know the face who is at the other end of an email. Our change-makers are on the ground, supporting communities, meeting clients and making an impact in their regions.

We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Our next Change-Maker is Terri Martin, our Office Manager and Micro Finance Lead. Living in Co. Louth, Terri is a big advocate for Ladies’ GAA.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

Where I grew up there were limited team sports for girls, so with the help of a few friends we set up a Ladies’ Gaelic Football team with the full the support of Meath Hill GAA Club (Co. Meath), and within a few short years we won the Junior Championship. As a result of this I was asked to trial for Meath Ladies’ at the U16 age group, where we won a Leinster Championship, from there I captained the Meath Ladies’ Minor team who also a Leinster Championship. I then trialled for Meath Ladies’ Junior team, where I successfully got my place on the team. After being beaten by Donegal in the semi-final the previous year, we were lucky enough to go on and win a Junior All Ireland Championship and League title in that same year (I have deliberately left the year out as it might give my age away) I also played soccer at a local level and badminton in the winter time, great to keep you fit in the winter months.

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

I’m a die-hard supporter of my home club of Meath Hill. Still to this day, I follow them all around the county. It is a small rural club, but we are known for being fierce loyal and always support our team on match days. This creates a kind of belonging to our community. This was demonstrated more than ever during the Pandemic, where there were many volunteers to do shopping, make dinners etc. for those in the community who needed support during hard times.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

Too many too mention, but I have to say with Meath Ladies’ winning the All Ireland Senior final recently – who could not but admire Emma Duggan and Vicki Wall – their sheer determination and will to win is an inspiration to any child or adult who plays sport.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

Sport has created many wonderful memories for me, especially those family days out when we would head to Croke Park with three generations packed into a car, playing games, trying to sing songs on route, the obligatory picnic and of course the post-match analysis discussed over a drink on the way home, building bonfires and dancing on the street to celebrate glory days of Sean Boylan’s reign, a distant memory now but we will come good again.

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

Unfortunately 1, average is how I would describe my fitness at present, I spend my time mentoring my children’s Gaelic teams and dropping and collecting from the numerous sports that are available to my kids nowadays, so I’m lucky if I get time to walk the dog.

If you and your team, have a dream that could make a difference in your community, we’re here to listen. Whether you want to change something by solving a problem or creating an opportunity, we want to hear what you have to say. Get in touch with us today.

The post Meet Our Sports Change-Makers: Terri Martin appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Each has a very hands-on approach when it comes to working with our clients. We put people first. When our clients call with a query, they hear a familiar voice at the end of the phone. They know the face who is at the other end of an email. Our change-makers are on the ground, supporting communities, meeting clients and making an impact in their regions.

We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Our next Change-Maker is Pauline Carolan, our Office Administrator living in the wee county of Louth.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

My participation in sport has been varied over the years. It started as a young girl, twirling a baton and marching the roads of Ireland as a majorette. In my teenage years, in secondary school volleyball was a sport I loved and spent weekends competing in tournaments.

I decided a number of years ago, that I wanted to complete a marathon before a big birthday. I ended up completing three, and while I can’t say I enjoyed every minute of it, I have made friends for life and learned some invaluable life lessons along the way. I have also been involved in charity cycles from Dunleer to Ballinasloe (both on the bike and behind the scenes).

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

Behind every local sporting club and voluntary organisation, is a group of people and volunteers, who give their time and their knowledge, to selflessly help others, and it is these people I admire most. The people who arrive an hour before everyone else to get the pitch ready, the people with their line full of freshly washed team colours, the people who clean up and switch off the lights, long after everyone else has gone home.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

My sporting heroes are local legends David and Aileen ’the Sheriff’ Carrie.  They set up a running group in 2010 to help local people in Dunleer achieve their dream of training for and completing a marathon (with a lot of craic along the way). David is a postman by day, and a running coach by night. He is a former international athlete, and has helped over 1,000 people achieve their dream of completing a marathon (whether you are a turtle or a hare). In the process, hundreds of thousands of euro have been raised for charities.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

In recent years, sport has made me realise, that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve anything. 

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

I would say 3 at the moment.

If you and your team, have a dream that could make a difference in your community, we’re here to listen. Whether you want to change something by solving a problem or creating an opportunity, we want to hear what you have to say. Get in touch with us today.

The post Meet Our Sports Change-Makers: Pauline Carolan appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Each has a very hands-on approach when it comes to working with our clients. We put people first. When our clients call with a query, they hear a familiar voice at the end of the phone. They know the face who is at the other end of an email. Our change-makers are on the ground, supporting communities, meeting clients and making an impact in their regions.

We speak finance but we hear people – So, we thought you might like to hear their own thoughts on what a sporting change-maker might look like and also their own sporting stories.

Our next Change-Maker is Nora Keogh, Client Relationship Manager from Newcastle West Co. Limerick. Working with clients like Dromcollogher Community Council CLG, Ardagh Community Centre Association and Crusheen Community Centre CLG in the Munster Region. Nora is passionate about cycling and spends much of her free time cycling our fantastic Greenways across Munster.

What has been your own involvement in sports?

As a young child/teenager I got involved in running as we had an annual sports day in our local parish where we all aspired to perform to the best of our ability and enjoy a great community day in the process. We had fantastic parish volunteers locally who gave up so much time to help get everything ready for the annual sports day. The 100m was my race of choice and I was delighted to be in the top three on a number of occasions.

None of this could happen without the dedication of the committee and their team of volunteers. I now understand the dedication of those involved at the grass roots of the parish in encouraging us all to join in sports regardless of our ability. This fostered a love of running in many of the participants which has resulted in some fine athletes from the parish and, at a broader level, an appreciation of how sports can help us all stay fit and healthy and promote a feel good factor.

What client or local sporting clubs do you admire and why?

Our local athletics club, the West Limerick Athletics Club (AC) inspires me as they have always maintained a great club for people of every ability with no facilities other than the local Demesne Town Park. A new state of the art Regional Athletics Hub is currently under development on the outskirts of Newcastle West in Co. Limerick which has taken years to get to fruition through the hard work and perseverance of the people involved.

This will really help all level of athletes train in all seasons and will bring a number of athletics clubs together in the region. This facility is the first of its kind in the West Limerick /North Cork area and is also used for regional and national competitions since completion in 2022.

West Limerick AC have great, dedicated coaches who work with all the juniors and foster a love of running and all are welcome and encouraged regardless of speed or ability.

The mantra is to get involved and enjoy and keep fit in the process. Every junior is encouraged to take part in events and the focus is on taking part and finishing the race which helps build character and life skills.

This new Regional Athletics Hub will provide a fantastic facility for all level of athletes and provide a top class facility for all the members to train locally in a state of the art facility and reach their personal best. Since its completion in 2022, the new Hub has become a top class Regional Athletics Hub comparable to anywhere in Europe.

Who is your sporting hero and is there a particular reason?

Carolyn Hayes is our local Triathlon winner from Newcastle West Co. Limerick who competed in the recent Olympics and finished in the top 28. Carolyn previously won silver in the World Triathlon Cup in May 2021 and is currently ranked no. 28 in the World Triathlon rankings.

Carolyn is a fantastic example of dedication and commitment and a real model for young people. Carolyn cycled with our local Newcastle West Cycling Club and always encouraged everyone else to get involved.

Carolyn is also a doctor and really shows us what you can do if you are dedicated to your goals. She is a true ambassador for all women and promoting women’s sports at every level and has always taken time to encourage local sports clubs at every turn and encourage everyone to get involved regardless of ability.

How has sport helped you/ your family/ community personally?

Although I don’t run anymore I have taken up cycling and joined the local Newcastle West Cycling Club. Cycling really helps me maintain a balance in a busy live with family and also keeps me fit.  I’ve competed in a number of cycling events such as the Ring of Beara, in Kerry. Organised by one of our members we covered 175km and helped raise over €2,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

We now have a new Greenway across West Limerick which has really helped encourage cyclists of all ages and families to cycle or walk together and enjoy quality time outdoors while taking in our fantastic countryside. I and my family are found here most weekends, whatever the weather.

Finally on a scale of 1 (average) to 5 (excellent) how do you rate your own fitness?

Currently I would say 3, depending on the company I am in. I am always striving to get better but that is a never ending story.

If you and your team, have a dream that could make a difference in your community, we’re here to listen. Whether you want to change something by solving a problem or creating an opportunity, we want to hear what you have to say. Get in touch with us today.

The post Meet Our Sports Change-Makers: Nora Keogh appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

The Community Fit scheme launched by Community Finance Ireland in late 2024 is an opportunity for CFI to give back to grassroots sports clubs who are an integral part of the social finance infrastructure. Each quarter the scheme awards £1,000 to a club in Northern Ireland and €1,000 to a club in the Republic of Ireland towards the acquisition of sponsored team kit items by means of a giveaway.

Ballymoney Hockey Club was set up by two Dalriada students Eilish Gillan and Jayne Thompson in 1984 as an outlet for girls and women who wanted to play hockey. In the intervening years the club has grown from strength to strength and the club now fields four teams and boast over 200 minis and juniors members.

The club has achieved major successes over the years including winning the Irish Senior Cup in 2001 and more recently the European Club of the Year in 2021. The club’s players Lynsey McVicker, Bridget Cleland, Katie Mullan, Megan Frazer have all gone on to captain the Ireland team and 13-year-old Sammy Jo Greer became the youngest goalkeeper in Ulster and Irish Hockey’s history.

Emma Creelman, Treasurer of Ballymoney Ladies’ Hockey Club, says the equipment provided by CFI was a huge help for the club. She said:

“The new kit bags and all-weather jackets will make a massive difference to the girls and women on the team. Playing hockey outdoors in the winter months can be tough going and having the new jackets in particular will help us keep warm during training sessions. It means that the money that we would have spent on these items can be redirected to other areas of the club. A huge thank you to Cllr Kane and Community Finance Ireland.”

Donal Traynor, Group Chief Executive for Community Finance Ireland who visited the Club earlier this month to present them with their new kit items, said:

“At Community Finance Ireland, we are delighted to support Ballymoney Hockey Club with sponsored equipment that empowers them to grow their success on the field. The club’s commitment to providing a sporting facility for the local community of Ballymoney aligns perfectly with our mission to invest in sporting initiatives that drive positive social change.”

If you are involved in your local sports team and want to be considered for future Community Fit awards, sign up to Community Finance Ireland’s mailing list here to be eligible.

The post Ballymoney Ladies’ Hockey Club the First to Benefit from Community Fit Scheme appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Pádraic joins the organisation with a distinguished career in philanthropy, social enterprise, and public policy.

Currently Senior Philanthropy & Development Manager and Head of Munster at Rethink Ireland, Pádraic has been instrumental in advancing social impact initiatives across Ireland.

His tenure as CEO of the Cork Foundation saw him champion social enterprise projects throughout Cork city and county.

With a decade of experience as a special advisor in Leinster House, Pádraic’s expertise spans strategy, fundraising, campaign management, and high-level negotiations.

Welcoming Pádraic to the Board, Donal Traynor, CEO of Community Finance Ireland, said:

“We are delighted to have Pádraic Vallely join our Board of Trustees. His extensive experience in philanthropy, public policy, and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to empower communities and social enterprises across the island of Ireland. Pádraic’s dedication to social impact aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to his contribution to our work.”

Pádraic’s appointment underscores Community Finance Ireland’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team to better serve communities and social enterprises nationwide.

Connect with Pádraic on LinkedIn.

The post Pádraic Vallely Joins Community Finance Ireland’s Board of Directors appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

While we all love the thrill of the competition on the international stage, clubs locally will be putting into place plans for the year to ensure that their playing facilities meet the needs of the club’s ambitions. Community Finance Ireland is here to help you to secure the funds you need to get started.

Our bespoke bridging and term loans ensure that your club can access funds swiftly and efficiently, turning visions into reality. With a deep understanding of both finance and grassroots challenges, we’re not just lenders; we’re partners in progress.

What Type of Projects Do We Support?

In our 20+ years of doing business, we have supported a wide variety of sports projects including helping rugby clubs, but also soccer, GAA, tennis, rowing, athletics, gymnastics, hockey, ice hockey, watersports, golf, basketball and other sporting clubs in accessing finance to realise projects like:

We Speak Finance, But We Hear People

We have loaned over €120m (£97m) to clients across the island of Ireland including rugby clubs like Shannon RFC in Co. Limerick . The club worked with our team to finance the construction of a ladies’ dressing rooms at club grounds.

With supporting loans ranging from upwards of £/€25k, you can be confident that if you have an idea or a dream, we know how to support your request and help get finance into your project.

If you are ready to make an application, click here. Or for more information, give us a call today: NI: 028 9031 5003  ROI: 041 6858 637.

The post As Six Nations 2025 Season Kicks Off, CFI Are Ready to Help Your Rugby Club Achieve Its Goals appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Mairead brings over 30 years of executive experience across sectors, including media, publishing, consumer goods, and technology.

Her deep understanding of growth strategy, market alignment, and revenue-focused marketing will strengthen Community Finance Ireland’s mission to foster sustainable development within local communities.

CEO Donal Traynor commented,

“Mairead’s expertise in brand development and go-to-market strategy makes her a remarkable addition to our team. Her strategic vision  and dedication to social enterprise growth align perfectly with our goals, and we look forward to the valuable insights she will bring.”

In her role, Mairead will focus on guiding Community Finance Ireland through pivotal growth opportunities and supporting its commitment to creating lasting social impact. Her appointment reflects Community Finance Ireland’s dedication to expanding its influence by leveraging top industry talent.

Connect with Mairead on LinkedIn.

The post Mairead Maher Joins Community Finance Ireland’s Board of Directors appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

What is NetWorks25?

The overall aim of NetWorks25 is to build progressive partnerships that will deliver meaningful benefit for communities on both sides of the border and raise awareness of issues and challenges impacting communities while also contributing to wider peace-building.

The project will span a twelve month period and participant organisations will allocate two representatives who will attend:-

• 3x full day long workshops (weekdays) and
• 3x residential events (all day Friday to Saturday lunchtime) throughout the year
• Dates to be confirmed in due course.

Benefits for Participating Organisations

• The opportunity to network, connect with and learn from other organisations from other communities.
• The creation of positive and long-lasting relationships between cross-border communities who share similar challenges and open the door for collaborative working.
• Improve and understand best business practices across a wide range of areas such as financial planning and management, strategic business planning, marketing and communications, digital transformation and technology, governance and compliance and product and service development. 
• Learn how to access different funding streams for your organisation.
• Aid the development of social enterprises or community projects, working to combat deprivation and legacy issues arising from the Troubles and other socio-economic barriers unique to living in border areas.
• A chance to explore business ideas to create new sources of income generation, leading to more effective and more sustainable business practices.

Hear from some of the previous participants in this short video:

Criteria Requirements for Participating Organisations

• A charity, social enterprise, community or voluntary organisation based in Northern Ireland or the surrounding border counties in the Republic of Ireland.
• Be available to attend all workshops and residential events
• Experience of supporting creative and innovative approaches to dealing with contentious issues.
• History of implementing projects that tackle the barriers arising as a result of the border.
• Previous involvement with supporting regions or communities needing particular attention as a result of historical isolation, under-investment, the impact of the conflict and/or Brexit.
• Experience of contributing to peace-building and promoting good relations on a cross-border basis.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying to the NetWorks25 Programme, please complete the online application form here. Applications take roughly 15-20 minutes to complete.

The deadline for applications is Friday 14 February 2025 at 5pm.

For any queries or to request further information, please email hello@communityfinanceireland.com with the subject NetWorks25.

The post Community Finance Ireland Seeking Participants for the NetWorks25 Programme appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.