Our new Pass it On book,a collection of Grandparents Prayers, Poems and Inspirations was launched by inspirational speaker David Crosby at the iconic IKON premises in Kingscourt. Thanks to Michael Donohoe, chairperson of Link Credit Union and to the board for their financial assistance which made this possible. Thanks to Pauline Owens and IKON for facilitating the launch. Thanks to Amanda Greene who produced the book. A special word of thanks to Ann Burns and the Parish Pastoral Planning Team who have worked tirelessly these past ten months on its production. The book is now available from The Parish Office and Parish Repository at €10 and will make an ideal Christmas gift. it is indeed something very special, prayers, inspirational poems, memorable quotes and motivational words of encouragement to be passed on from one generation to the next
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Speech from Michael Donohoe (Chairperson, Link Credit Union):
“Good afternoon everyone,
It is a great honour for me, as Chairperson of Link Credit Union, to, not only be in attendance here today but to also be invited to say a few words at the launch of this updated edition of ‘Pass it on.’ Sincere thanks to Fr Gerry and Annette for extending the invite.
I was truly delighted and thrilled to learn that Fr. Gerry had approached the Credit Union looking for support with the cost of bringing this collection of prayers, poems and inspirations to fruition.
With contributions from many grandparents from across our parish, this beautiful collection is a rich tapestry of the faith, love and wisdom that they have woven into the lives of our parishioners. It is not only a privilege, but it is indeed fitting, that Link Credit Union should sponsor this wonderful publication. In committing these prayers, poems and reflections to paper we are not only honouring the grandparents of our parish, but also ensuring that their legacy is preserved and cherished by future generations. They are, in a sense, passing it on.
At the heart of our Credit Union’s mission is a commitment to community and the values that bind us together. In sponsoring this publication, we are reaffirming this commitment to this great community. While Link Credit Union may have evolved significantly from its humble origins, we remain firmly rooted in this community and each of the communities we serve.
In preparing these few words, I was reminded of a conversation I had a couple of years also with a former volunteer with Kingscourt Credit Union who was involved in the Credit Union in its early years. At a celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the formation of Kingscourt Credit Union, I asked this former volunteer what they thought of how far the credit union had come over the previous 50 years. Their response was very short and simple – “how could you not be proud!”
As the current volunteer Chairperson of the credit union I share that exact same pride today. You may or may not have noticed my use of the words ‘current’ and ‘volunteer’ in the last sentence. I chose these words specifically, not because I’m looking for any sort of praise, but to highlight the fact that myself and my fellow directors are the current generation of volunteers entrusted with governing and safeguarding the credit union for future generations. In essence, the credit union has been ‘passed on’ to this generation by those visionary founders and early volunteers – like that volunteer I mentioned earlier! It is incumbent on us that, like those volunteers, we ensure that we too can ‘pass on’ your credit union to the next and future generations. There is a quote that goes something like this:
“The legacy of one generation becomes the foundation for the next to build upon.”
While Kingscourt Credit Union has grown and evolved since 2015 with firstly the coming together of Kingscourt, Bailieborough and St Mary’s Moynalty Credit Union and in more recent years, Cootehill Credit Union, Link Credit Union is fundamentally the same credit union that was founded over 50 years ago. We still operate on the principles of co-operation and mutual self-help. As such, we have always strived to be, dare I say it, ‘better’ than other/traditional financial institutions. As a credit union, we see ourselves as a pilar of support, a source of strength, and a partner in the (financial) growth and wellbeing of our community. It is, therefore, apt that Link Credit Union should sponsor this publication because in so doing, we are reaffirming our ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of our members and the wider communities that we serve – in the same way that this publication will enrich all of our lives!
As a credit union we continue to provide the same core services that we are known for, and while we are embracing technology, we remain rooted within our communities. We have and will continue to retain our local branch network, while developing our online services. We will continue to develop and provide new and additional services so that we can safeguard your credit union and ‘pass it on’ to the next generation. Our message is clear – we are here and we are open for business. Our core mission is to be the no 1 provider of financial services, supporting our members 24/7 to meet their ever-changing financial needs.
Finally, I would like to applaud everyone who contributed to this beautiful collection. Your contributions are a gift to us all, and your efforts have created something truly remarkable. They are, to my mind, on a par with the remarkable and selfless contributions of our credit union – of your credit union’s – founders.
Congratulations and best wishes for the rest of today’s launch.”
Speech from Ann Burns:
“Fr. Gerry, Annette, members of the Parish Pastoral Planning Team, members of Link Credit union, School Principals, David, family and friends, it is my great pleasure and honour to welcome you all to the launch of the Second Edition of Pass it On- a book of prayers, inspirational poems, memorable quotes and motivational words of encouragement to be passed on from one generation to the next.
I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to everyone who submitted the material that made this book possible. To Paul Callaghan and Colette Gemmell, a special thank you for enhancing the quality of this book with your beautiful images and photographs. They are truly amazing.
To Amanda Greene, graphic designer of The Little Greene Studio, thank you for your skill and professionalism in the creation of this inspiring book which has exceeded our expectations.
A very big and special thank you to those who made this project possible, Link Credit Union, for your very generous support and sponsorship of Pass it On. Your commitment to this and your contribution is greatly appreciated.
I extend gratitude to our Parish Pastoral Planning Team for their help, support and encouragement, especially Frances who went through the book with a fine-tooth comb ensuring the content was accurate and ready for publication.
And who better to launch this edition of Pass it On than our very own Kingscourt native, David Crosby? A man filled with inspiration, positivity, courage and faith and forever resilient in the face of life’s challenges.
And to my nearest and dearest – my family. Thank you for your constant support and encouragement, for your guidance and inspiration and for always being here for me in my everyday challenges. Without you I couldn’t do what I do, I couldn’t be what I am and couldn’t become the best one can be.
Finally, my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Pauline and Kingspan for providing, in our own local town, this state-of-the-art venue for our book launch. Thank you for your warm welcome, your excellent facilities and of course the tasty refreshments!
My wish for this edition of Pass it on is for it to go forward into the future, inspiring, comforting motivating, encouraging, and be passed on from one generation to the next. “
