In September 2025, SECAD Partnership marks its 30th anniversary, celebrating a legacy of supporting rural development and promoting social inclusion in Cork and beyond.
Since its founding in 1995, SECAD Partnership has evolved from a small East Cork initiative with a single funding programme into one of Ireland’s leading community development organisations. Under the leadership of CEO Ryan Howard and the Board of Directors, SECAD now delivers a wide range of programmes on behalf of local and national government, as well as private funders, supporting communities, individuals, and businesses across Cork and increasingly across Ireland.
Over the years, SECAD has invested over €100 million in local projects, supporting community initiatives and infrastructure through LEADER funding and Community Benefit Funds, helping local businesses grow, promoting tourism through the “Ring of Cork” initiative, advancing sustainability and biodiversity via the Wild Work programme, and providing tailored employment, enterprise, and wellbeing support to thousands of individuals through SICAP, Tús, the Rural Social Scheme, and LAES.
To celebrate 30 years of impact, we are sharing 30 Stories for 30 Years, showcasing the wide range of support SECAD has provided and the real difference it has made in communities across Cork and beyond.
