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.

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.

Katie joins the Board with over 22 years of experience in banking, finance, and professional services. Her impressive career spans work with entrepreneurial businesses, mid-sized corporates, and publicly listed multinationals.

A skilled leader in loan origination, project finance, governance, and portfolio management, Katie’s expertise covers a wide range of sectors, including small business, agriculture, renewable energy, and corporate enterprises.

In addition to her professional achievements, Katie previously served as a Director at KPMG, where she led complex projects and advisory work at the executive level.

Her academic and professional credentials include an Economics and Business degree from Trinity College, Fellowships at the Institute of Taxation and the Institute of Bankers, and a Diploma in Corporate Governance.

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

“We are delighted to welcome Katie to the Board of Trustees. With her extensive experience in banking, finance, and governance, Katie brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to empowering communities. Her leadership and strategic insight will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts to support local projects and social enterprises across the island of Ireland. We look forward to working together to make an even greater impact.”

Katie’s appointment underscores Community Finance Ireland’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its expertise and governance to better serve communities across the island. Her knowledge and vision will play a vital role in furthering the organisation’s mission of delivering social impact through financial innovation and support.

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn.

The post Katie Mooney Joins Community Finance Ireland’s Board of Directors appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

A global expert in leadership and HR, Dr. Roux has over 20 years of experience driving organizational transformation and adaptive strategies.

Her work with UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and Roux Consulting highlights her unparalleled expertise.

We are excited to benefit from her visionary approach as we continue empowering communities across the island.

CEO Donal Traynor had this to say on her appointment:

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Marianne Roux to the Board of Community Finance Ireland. Her extensive expertise in leadership, HR, and organizational transformation, coupled with her passion for empowering communities, makes her an exceptional addition to our team”.

Dr. Roux’s innovative approach to navigating the future of work and her commitment to sustainable outcomes align perfectly with CFI’s mission to support social enterprises and community projects.

Everyone at CFI look forward to her valuable contributions as we continue to create lasting positive impact across Ireland and beyond.

The post Dr. Marianne Roux Joins Community Finance Ireland’s Board of Directors appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Funded by a loan from Community Finance Ireland (CFI), this redevelopment marks a significant milestone for the arts charity. The updated 7,500 square-foot facility now accommodates a diverse range of printmaking techniques, including etching, screen printing, and lithography, while offering expanded services such as free monthly workshops and open days aimed at fostering inclusion.

Emma Drury, Director of Seacourt Print Workshop said,

“We’re proud to play a part in Bangor’s cultural regeneration and our central location makes us more visible and accessible, enabling us to double our programming and support the community in new ways.”

Phelim Sharvin, Head of Community Finance Ireland NI, commended Seacourt for its transformative vision:

“This project aligns perfectly with our mission of driving positive social change. By supporting Seacourt, we’re helping to create a vibrant, inclusive space that enriches the community.”

The project’s success highlights the collaborative potential of social finance, arts, and community resilience.

If you want to take part in any of the upcoming events at Seacourt you will find everything you need here.

The post Printmaking Hub Opens New Chapter for Arts and Community in North Down appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

The charity’s new permanent home, made possible by a significant community loan from Community Finance Ireland (CFI), will enable DFTD to train and place more assistance dogs, aiming to reduce their three-year waiting list. This move marks a significant step forward for the charity, which supports disabled adults and children across Ireland with assistance dogs trained to help with practical tasks.

Jennifer Dowler, CEO of DFTD, shares,

“CFI’s support and efficient loan process meant we could secure this site quickly and look toward a promising future. Our new premises will help us serve even more people in need of assistance dogs.”

Nora Keogh, CFI Client Relationship Manager for the Munster Region, said:

“Dogs for the Disabled Cork change lives across Ireland and with the security and potential of their new home, just think how many more people they can help. It’s a powerful example of social impact in action, showing how targeted efforts can make a meaningful difference. We’re delighted to support them and can’t wait to see them roll out their ambitious plans for on-site services in the future.”

We encourage any community or volunteer-led groups who, like DFTD, want to make improvements or expand their services, to reach out to us. We take a flexible approach to bridge funding gaps and support new projects, offering short and long-term loans that are fast, flexible and fair.

For more information on Dogs for the Disabled, visit their website here, or to find out more about Community Finance Ireland and how we can help your next project, click here.

The post Permanent Home Secured for Dogs for the Disabled Cork to Cut Three Year Waitlist for Service Dogs appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Earlier this week we posted on how you can spot the signs and help men take care of their mental health. Today we look at how you can look after men’s physical well-being as well as looking at the key signs for two of the most common forms of cancer that specifically effect men and how early intervention and simple checks can save lives.

Men’s Physical Health

One simple way to take care of your physical health is to be involved in a regular form of exercise. Joining your local sports club like our recent clients Loughgiel Shamrocks GAA, Craughwell Athletics Club, Ballynahinch Football and Rugby Club or Illies Boxing Club can go a long way to improving you physical health, grow friendships and team camaraderie and improve your mental health as well.

Two forms of cancer that specifically effect men are prostate and testicular cancer.

Prostate Cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. Globally, more than 1.4 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. Only men have a prostate gland. The prostate gland is usually the size and shape of a walnut and grows bigger as you get older. It sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra.

Prostate cancer occurs when some of the cells in the prostate reproduce far more rapidly than normal, resulting in a tumour. Prostate cancer often grows slowly to start with and may never cause any problems. But some men have prostate cancer that is more likely to spread. These prostate cancer cells, if left untreated, may spread from the prostate and invade distant parts of the body, particularly the lymph nodes and bones, producing secondary tumours in a process known as metastasis.
Your risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, but that doesn’t mean it’s a disease that only affects old men. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Men who are black, and men who have a family history (a brother or father with prostate cancer), are 2.5x more likely to get prostate cancer.

If you’re 50, you should be talking to your doctor about PSA testing. If you’re black, you need to start that conversation at 45. And if you have a brother or father with prostate cancer in their history, do it at 45.

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer:-

• A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
• Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Difficulty in having an erection
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in urine or semen
• Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

Testicular cancer is the #1 cancer among young men, and yet 62% of those who are most at risk don’t know how to check themselves. The best thing you can do for your testicles is to give them a feel every month or so – get to know what’s normal for you. That way, if anything changes you can act on it.

How to Examine Yourself

Spend time with people who make you feel good. Your mates are important and spending time with them is good for you. Catch up regularly, check in, and make time.

You don’t need to be an expert and you don’t have to be the sole solution. But being there for someone, listening to them and giving your time can be life-saving.

At 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and whether it’s right for you to have a PSA test. If you are of African or Caribbean descent, or have a father or brother with prostate cancer, you should be having this conversation at 45. Know your numbers, know your risk, and talk to your doctor.

Get to know what’s normal for your testicles. Give them a check regularly and go to the doctor if something doesn’t feel right.

Add more activity to your day. Do more of what makes you feel good. Take a walking meeting. Park further away from the station. Get off the bus a stop or two earlier. Instead of the lift, take the stairs.

For more information on early detection and how to cope with a diagnosis visit the website of some of the expert organisations above. Are you a charity or organisation who needs assistance in funding your next product or service? Get in touch with Community Finance Ireland to see if we can help.

The post Men’s Health Awareness Month- Taking Care of Your Physical Health appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.