Michael Byrne Named Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown Chamber Person of the Year 2025
The Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown Chamber is proud to announce Michael Byrne, CEO of Core Credit Union, as the recipient of the 2025 Person of the Year Award.
This prestigious honour recognises an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to business, community and civic life in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown. It celebrates those who lead not for personal acclaim, but out of a deep commitment to making the county a better place to live, work and do business.
Since taking the helm at Core Credit Union in 2011, a Wexford native, Michael Byrne has exemplified visionary leadership and a steadfast commitment to the community. Under his stewardship, Core Credit Union has grown into one of the region’s most successful and community-focused financial institutions, uniting several local credit unions including Shankill, Ballybrack, Dún Laoghaire, Sallynoggin, Monkstown Farm, Foxrock, Dalkey, and more recently, Greystones, Newtownmountkennedy and Kilcoole.
Michael’s mission has always been clear: to modernise and strengthen the Credit Union movement while preserving its community-first ethos. His leadership has driven the expansion of branch opening hours, the delivery of full online payment and loan services and the introduction of a broader range of member offerings including current accounts, mortgages, insurance and digital banking. Notably, Core Credit Union has also increased access to micro-credit loans which supports members in meaningful and practical ways.
Beyond his role at Core Credit Union, Michael a qualified Accountant, has played a pivotal role in shaping the wider Credit Union sector. He has served as a Director of the Irish League of Credit Unions and was recently appointed by the Minister for Finance to the Credit Union Advisory Committee, contributing to national policy development. He is also a founding director of Payac Services CLG and CU Mortgage Services, which support Credit Unions to provide current account and mortgage products respectively now nationwide. Additionally, he helped establish the All-Ireland Credit Union Awards, which celebrates the dedication of Credit Union staff and volunteers across the country further highlighting the vital role that not-for-profit cooperative credit unions play in communities throughout Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Ireland.
Michael’s impact reaches far beyond finance. Under his leadership, Core Credit Union has supported countless community events and initiatives from the Dún Laoghaire St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Dalkey Lobster Festival and Rathmichael Fête, to local schools, sports clubs and charities. Through educational roadshows and school quizzes, Core Credit Union continues to empower and inspire young people across the county.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Colette O’Sullivan, CEO of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown Chamber, said:
“Michael Byrne exemplifies what true community leadership looks like visionary, compassionate and grounded in service. His work has strengthened both the financial wellbeing and the social fabric of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown and beyond.”
Reflecting on the award, Michael Byrne said:
“I’m humbled to receive this recognition. While the award is presented to me, I believe it reflects the vital role that Core Credit Union plays in the personal and business wellbeing of our communities. It’s a testament not only to my commitment but to the dedication of our voluntary board of directors, oversight committee and our employees each of whom understands the impact they have daily on our members’ lives.”
The Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown Chamber congratulates Michael Byrne on this well deserved recognition of his outstanding leadership and enduring contribution to the community
