I think most of us have started our new years resolutions by now. What are yours? Our resolution at Skibbereen credit union is to get West Cork saving for 2012!

We know this is much easier said than done and we are aware January can be a particularly bleak month financially for many people. Whilst saving for the short term and putting your money away for a rainy day to earn some interest whilst still giving you the flexibility to access your money at short notice might be what you are looking for, more and more of us are struggling to put away some of our well earned cash. After all, who knows what tomorrow might bring? We can never be TOO careful with our finances. We know we can't turn water into wine but we certainly feel we can help improve family finances in West Cork with our experience and advice.

So how about you start by putting as little as €1 to €5 away a week? Every little helps and before you know it, you will have a nice little nest egg.

For the best savings advice call in to us at the credit union today to discuss your options and to listen to some expert advice! 

We would like to send our deepest congratulations to the Skibbereen RFC J1 & J2 teams on their amazing current form. Both teams are undefeated and top of the league! 

The J2's had a great win on Sunday, the November 6th at Mill Road, while the J1 team won an exciting game against Waterpark on the same day.

Next weekend will see them facing the Old Christans in Rathcooney who won against Skibbereen in the nailbiting County Cup final last season. Best of luck from all at Skibbereen Credit Union.

On October 15th, Skibbereen's First Friendly Business Awards took place at the West Cork Hotel. The night was hosted by Apprentice winner Steve Rayner.

Congratulations to all the worthy winners:

Best Public Building -The Fire Station

Best Professional Building -Liam O’Donovan Solicitors

Best Exterior Appearance – Kearney’s Well

Best New Business – Yellow House Montessori

Best Small Business – Sean Murray’s

Best Large Business – West Cork Hotel

Skibbereen’s Friendliest Employee – Brendan O’Brien. Field’s SuperValu

On September 14th the 'Celtic Cook off' will take place at the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen.

Chefs from the five Celtic territories (Scotland, Isle of Man, Ireland, Cornwall, Wales & Brittany) will take part in a cooking competition. In the style of the TV show, 'Ready, Steady Cook', the chefs willl need to impress both you (the public) and the judges to win. This is sure to be a fun event for all to witness. Good luck to those taking part!

Where: The West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen.

When: Wednesday, September 14th.

Time: Doors open at 7pm.

Tickets: €10. (Available at the West Cork Hotel reception from Monday, August 22nd).
 

For more information take a look at the West Cork Hotels Blog.

We are delighted to announce Liam Hayes is the winner of our June Youth Awards.

Liam Hayes Youth Award Winner

Liam is one of the most talented Special Olympic players in the country and recently won a Gold Medal in the Munster Special Olympic Games without dropping a set. Liam also plays within the West Cork Rankings and represents Rossa College in the West Cork Schools League.

Liam’s Coach, Owen Kelly, had these words to say of him  ” he  is outstanding in many ways but his enthusiasm and dedication to his chosen sport is remarkable. He is a valued member of the Skibbereen Table Tennis Club and rickly deserves to have his sportsmanship and abaility recongised.

All of us here in Skibbereen Credit Union will continue to watch  Liam’s career with interest and wish him every success in the future

Here at the Skibbereen Credit Union we are proud to announce that we will be sponsoring the Skibbereen Arts Festival which takes place from July 18th to July 30th this year. The festival is shaping up to be one to remember as many musicians, comics, artists along with film industry experts come together to form what is arguably the greatest line up the festival has had to date and one that will cater for all ages and tastes!

On Friday the 29th of July,  a night of laughter with comic Colin Murphy will take place in Skibbereens Town Hall.

As usual, the music line up at this years festival is very exciting. Following their fantastic success and popularity, the phenomenal Kilfenora Ceili Band will play at the West Cork Hotel on the 23rd. The Dublin Guitar Quartet comes to town on the 22nd of July.  Another show not to be missed is the Gala Concert featuring Nollaig Casey and Arty McGlynn, Dermot Byrne and Floraine Blancke which is taking place on the 24th of July. Earlier on that day, renowned guitar player Arty McGlynn will also host a Guitar Workshop. Band members from Si Schroeder and 3epkano will assemble on the 27th of July to perform their live soundtrack to the film 'Pour la Suite du Monde.'

The festival also features various film screenings and workshops. Conor Horgan who has over 70 TV commercials and pop videos to his name, will host a Film Workshop on the 30th of July. The film he directed 'Wildfire Films', is just one of the many screenings to be shown across the fesitval.

Art exhibitions will take place throughout the festival including the 'Working Artist Studios.' This exciting exhibition consists of a collect of art-objects and drawings representing a period of time in a specific location, while also includes the activity and surrounds of Skibbereen.

Other acts include the Cronin Sisters, St. Fachtna's Silver Band, an Evening with Poet  Paul Durcan, the work of Guillaume Beauron, The Travelling Sounds Library plus GAA Gold!

Best of luck to Brendan and the team from everyone here at the Skibbereen Credit Union!