SECAD: 30 STORIES FOR 30 YEARS
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.
Empowering Communities
Active Connections: empowering young people with behavioural difficulties
Innovative supports for young people through adventure therapy Supported through the SICAP and LEADER programmes, and the NTR Community Benefit Fund Active Connections CLG was…
Carrigaline Men’s Shed
Building community from the ground up Supported through the LEADER Programme Carrigaline Men’s Shed began with a simple vision: to create a welcoming space where…
Community Food Initiatives
Empowering people in low-income communities to make healthier food choices Supported through Safefood The Community Food Initiatives (CFI) programme aims to positively influence eating habits…
Community Radio Youghal
Broadcasting community, connection & care Supported through the LEADER and SICAP programmes For decades, Community Radio Youghal has been a voice for inclusion, connection,and support.…
SECAD: managing Community Benefit Funds
Supporting communities accross the island of Ireland Since 2015, SECAD has managed Community Benefit Funds from wind farms, solar farms, and energy infrastructure projects, ensuring…
Developing Community Facilities
Ballinadee Community Hall
Reviving the heart of the village Supported through the LEADER programme Built in the 1950s through Muintir na Tíre and local effort, Ballinadee Hall was…
Clonakilty Community Youth Centre
A vision realised for West Cork’s youth Supported through the LEADER programme After two decades of dedication and a lot of hard work, Clonakilty Community…
Cove Sailing Club
Whitepoint Marina Development, Cobh Supported through the LEADER programme Cove Sailing Club has been part of Cobh life since 1919, bringing people togetherthrough sailing and…
Greywood Arts
A creative hub rooted in community Supported through the LEADER programme Greywood Arts transformed a historic coach house in Killeagh into a vibrant creative hub…
St. Catherine’s Cultural Centre
Preserving heritage, inspiring community Supported through the LEADER programme Once a disused 19th-century church overlooking Kinsale Harbour, St. Catherine’s has been beautifully restored as a…
Fostering Enterprise
Hassett’s Bakery, Carrigaline
From local roots to artisan excellence Supported through the LEADER programme What began as a small wholesale bakery in Douglas in 1984 has grown into…
Kinsale Bay Food Company
Rooted in tradition, growing with quality Supported through the LEADER programme Kinsale Bay Food Company was founded in 2008, dedicated to producing hearty, wholesome meals…
Leahy’s Open Farm, Dungourney
Where community, nature, and fun grow together Supported through the LEADER programme Leahy’s Open Farm, family-run for over 20 years, blends traditional farming with rural…
Ring of Cork
Promoting tourism across South and East Cork Supported through the LEADER programme The Ring of Cork is a tourism brand and networking platform that helps…
Smugglers Cove Adventure Centre, Rosscarbery
Nature blended with outdoor fun Supported through the LEADER programme Smugglers Cove Adventure Centre in Rosscarbery, Cork, offers a variety of family-friendly outdoor activities such…
Promoting Biodiversity
Ballyfad Wood, Co. Wexford
Trails of nature, echoes of history Supported through the ESB’s Community Benefit Fund Ballyfad Wood, near Coolgreany, Co. Wexford, is a 200-acre woodland rich in…
Haulbowline Pollinator Project
From industrial site to blooming habitat Supported through the SECAD’s Tús and WildWork initiatives Once a heavy industrial site, Haulbowline Island in Cork Harbour has…
Junior Wild Work programme
Connecting primary school children with nature Supported through the WildWork Initiative, LEADER and SICAP programmes SECAD Partnership’s Junior Wild Work programme invites 5th and 6th…
The South and East Cork Bird Trail
A journey through birdwatching hotspots Supported through the LEADER Programme In 1998, SECAD Partnership developed a unique habitats initiative along the East and South Cork…
Wild Work Initiative
Helping people help nature help people Supported through The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and LEADER Wild Work, launched by SECAD Partnership in 2017,…
Supporting Integration
English Conversation Clubs
Language, connection, community Supported through SICAP Active now in Youghal, Cobh, Macroom, and Millstreet, SECAD’s English Conversation Clubs offer free, welcoming classes to support new…
Integration supports for people seeking protection
Community is our superpower Supported through SICAP Due to global conflicts, more people are coming to Ireland seeking safety and support. They bring resilience, talents,…
Macroom & Midleton food festivals
Celebrating Multiculturalism Through Food Supported through SICAP Each year, the Macroom Food Festival and Midleton’s fEast Cork light up the calendar as South Cork’s largest…
SECAD Community Connections – Millstreet
Supported through SICAP, AMIF fund and Community Connections Initiative In 2024, Millstreet joined the communities supported by SECAD Partnership through the Social Inclusion and Community…
SECAD’s Community Wellbeing programme
Fostering integration through arts & wellbeing activities Supported through SICAP SECAD’s Community Wellbeing programme supports wellness and integration across the region using the medium of…
Creating Pathways to Work and Business
Discover SICAP Case Study 2025 “Learning & Skills – Pathways to Thrive”
Employment and Skills SICAP Case Study This case study presents a detailed look at how SECAD Partnership CLG, through the SICAP 2024–2028 programme, supports individuals…
Fires Mousa
How the Tús programme helps build a brighter future Supported through the SECAD Tús initiative “Tús gave me a real chance. Now I have a…
Iryna Lishchuk: stitching a new life
Dressmaking start-up in Macroom Supported through SICAP When war forced Iryna and her family to leave Ukraine, they found safety in Macroom. Starting over was…
Kevin Shanahan: Ability-Thrive Programme
Proud to be a valued team member Supported through Ability-Thrive Programme Kevin Shanahan graduated from SECAD’s Ability-Thrive Programme in March 2024. The programme supports people…
SECAD Employment Support Services
Pathways to work, learning & community engagement SECAD Partnership offers a number of programmes that help people to access work, training, or education. SECAD’s integrated…
Spice Genie: authentic Indian taste
Christopher Braganza’s journey into food entrepreneurship Supported through the LEADER Programme Christopher Braganza arrived in Ireland in 2012, bringing a love of Goan cuisine, known…
