CU farewell to Pat Goulding

Dedication and commitment to CUPat Goulding thought he had 'slipped away quietly' when he retired from the Board of Kilcullen Credit Union a little time ago, after 29 years of service to that voluntary community entity, writes Brian Byrne. But he wasn't going to be allowed go that easy.

There was a big turnout recently of his colleagues on the staff and Board from down the years to make a presentation and wish Pat and his wife Betty well in a life after Credit Union.

The current chairperson, Philomena Griffin, thanked Betty and their family for having 'shared' him over the years, a period when he had give a '24/7' dedication and commitment to the Credit Union both at local level and beyond.

"I'm quite aware that many people who have served Kilcullen Credit Union might remember being 'coerced' onto the Board at an AGM, but for some it later became a passion," she said. "In 1984, Pat became a director, and his first job was on the Credit Committee with Arthur Duffy and the late Vinny Halloran. He subsequently served on virtually every sub-committee of Kilcullen CU, and was chairman for more years than he probably cares to remember."

She noted particularly his work on the Building Committee, and the refurbishment of the Kilcullen CU building. "Whether you had questions on building, advice on procedures, or even coming out when the alarms went off, Pat was available.

"Also there were times when he could have been known as Postman Pat. He delivered flower baskets, paint, bulbs, Christmas trees, anything we wanted for the Credit Union. Pat took all of those duties in his stride, and always with a smile on his face."

She noted that in CU social circles he was a great ambassador for Kilcullen, always with a joke or stories to tell at chapter meetings, conventions, or at golf outings. "Often there with his partner in crime, Jim Barker."

Pat's talents didn't go unnoticed in CU circles, and he also served as chairman of Chapter 7, during which time he organised the campaign and canvassed for his good friend Anne O'Byrne to become president of the Irish League of Credit Unions. During that effort he wore a limited edition t-shirt with the slogan, 'Anne O'Byrne, The Only Woman'.

Responding, Pat said he was 'grateful and touched', and that he was thankful to have had the opportunity to serve. "Over the years I met people at chapter and convention meetings all over the country, and made friends I still meet today in their different walks of life."

He added that leaving the Board was one of the most difficult decisions he had ever had to make, but the current economic climate meant that he had to give his full attention to his business in Naas.

Philomena said he was always welcome to come back, especially at the AGMs. "But just one request," she quipped, "not too many questions." Thanking Pat for 'the words of encouragement and wisdom which got me through many a difficult moment', she concluded with a line from a poem, 'Here's to goodbyes that may never be spoken, and here's to friendships that may never be broken'.

This article was first published on the Kilcullen page of the Kildare Nationalist.