Credit Unions across Ireland are expecting a spike in lending activity in the coming weeks as Irish soccer fans seek loans to fund summer trips to France.
The lenders have become associated with these trips - but as the economy improves they will face increased competition from banks.
Credit unions - batten down the hatches! #COYBIG
— Colm Tobin (@colmtobin) November 16, 2015
"Credit unions have historically had a very good relationship with travelling football fans and Euro 2016 will be no exception," a spokesperson for the Irish League of Credit Unions said to The Irish Independent.
She added that Ireland's qualification and demand for new loans, "will be a welcome development for credit unions as they have over €5bn available to lend."
We might be heading into the busy (and costly) festive season - but the body advises that you "start a saving plan now - even if it's only a very small amount."
Even as Ireland struggled through its post-crash recession, legions of fans made the trip to Poland, where the Irish team was based for its ill-fated Euro 2012 campaign.
For that competition many supports traveled on squeezed budgets, relying on camper vans and camping sites. Average spends were between €2,000 and €3,000.
Banks will also be keen to get in on the lending act. Ulster Bank has cut its loan rate on all fixed-rate personal loans between €4,500 and €40,000.
KBC Bank is offering a 2% reduction for customers who repay loans through direct debits from KBC current accounts.
France is accessible for Irish travellers, but significantly more expensive than Poland was - especially if the team is based in Paris.
If you are tempted to make the trip, we have the latest travel advice for the tournament, and a guide to the key dates that you need to mark in your diary.
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