Client Stories
Betania Church
Romanian Church is Leading the Way
Originating in Tyrrelstown, Co. Dublin, Betania Romanian Church is an example of Ireland’s global hallmark, welcoming all Christians and demonstrating inclusivity, diversity and kindness.
The church has branched out beyond their Tyrrelstown locality with the establishment of projects like Feed Dublin – which involves 20 younger members of the church bringing food parcels for homeless people into the city centre on Sundays.
In 2022 with help from Community Finance Ireland, Betania Church have been able to build a bespoke house of worship that caters to their diverse range of activities and ever expanding congregation and is fast making a name for itself both within Dublin and beyond.
“While the majority of the donations came from our members, it was the support received from Community Finance Ireland that allowed us to complete this magnificent project. Their positive answer was God’s open door for our prayers at that specific time and we are eternally grateful for this.”
Valerian Jurjea, Senior Pastor and CEO Betania Church
Crosspatrick Hall Community Group
Helping Locals Stay Connected in Rural Kilkenny
Crosspatrick is a small, quaint, rural village in North West county Kilkenny. Its Community Hall dates back to 1810 and has seen various transformations during its history. Most notably and most recently in 2022, with Community Finance Ireland’s help, the group completed an extension to their existing community hall facility.
The new facility enables the local people to stay connected with each other and to undertake a variety of activities including indoor race bikes, bingo club and table tennis.
“Our experience with Community Finance Ireland was really fantastic. Barry helped us with advice on our Leader grant application and then showed us how a bridging loan could aid us getting the project build started. The support has been the reason we are as successful as we are today. Every night there is something on in the hall. You can hear the laughs of the community and it does your heart good.”
Jim O’Grady, Volunteer Cross Patrick Community Group