The IBOA was founded in 1918 when 350 officials dared defy their banks' directors. Soon it had a membership of more than 80 per cent of all bank officials. Initially ignored, the IBOA threatened strike and the banks agreed to arbitration in March 1920. The arbitration report gives a remarkable insight into the expectations of what a bank official should be, who they should marry, where they should live, and much else. Most of all, it reveals a certain elitism amongst bank officials. The theme of strikes runs through the book. While the 1920s and 1930s were quiet, every decade after that saw industrial unrest and usually strike. Women came into banking during the Great War and the IBOA helped to advance their rights. They now make up three quarters of IBOA members. Work in a bank was tedious and led to a great focus on the social life of the Association. Broadcasters such as Terry Wogan and Bunny Carr began their working lives as bank officials, while Christy Moore took up singing during a bank strike. Generations of sportsmen and women worked in the banks including international rugby players, golfers and numerous GAA stars. From the unionism and elitism of its earlier years to the later militancy, the IBOA was unique in Irish life, remaining a 32-county organisation. The evolution of the IBOA offers a fascinating picture of Ireland - not least how banking moved from a thoroughly conservative industry to one so reckless as to bankrupt the Irish state.
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📄 Exercise Your Right of Withdrawal
Under EU consumer law, you have the right to withdraw from your purchase within 14 days of receiving your order, without giving a reason. To formally exercise this right, use the button below. This is a distinct function separate from our general returns process.
Notice of Withdrawal
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Your right to cancel
If you order online, you have the right to cancel your order within 14 days of receiving your goods, without giving a reason. This cooling-off period runs from the day you (or someone you nominate) receives the last item in your order. To cancel, contact us at shop@chaptersbookstore.com stating your order number and your wish to withdraw from the purchase. Once we've confirmed your cancellation, you have 14 days to send the goods back to us.
Condition of returned items
To be eligible for a refund, your item must be returned unworn, unused and unread, in its original packaging, and in the same condition you received it. You'll also need your receipt or proof of purchase. If your return is based on the item's condition on arrival, please include a photo so we can advise the best resolution.
Faulty or damaged items
Please inspect your order on arrival and contact us immediately if an item is defective, damaged, or not what you ordered. Separately from the 14-day cancellation right above, you're entitled to a repair, replacement or refund on faulty goods for up to two years from purchase, under standard consumer guarantee rights.
This guarantee covers manufacturing faults only, such as printing errors, missing pages, or binding defects present at the time of purchase. It does not cover damage arising from normal use or wear, including creased spines, worn covers, marked pages or general signs of reading. If you're unsure whether an issue qualifies, send us a photo and we'll be happy to advise.
How to return
To start a return, contact us at shop@chaptersbookstore.com. If your return is accepted, we'll send you a return shipping label and instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted. If a return is due to an error on our part, we'll cover the postage cost.
Exceptions and non-returnable items
Certain items cannot be returned, including custom products, special orders, sale items and gift cards.
Trade-In Programme
If you're trading in previously owned books rather than returning a purchase, please see our separate Trade-In Programme terms, which operate independently of this policy.
Refunds
Once we've received and inspected your return, we'll let you know if the refund has been approved. If approved, you'll be refunded automatically to your original payment method. Please allow some time for your bank or card provider to process and post the refund.
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