On Saturday, 20th September, Ballinadee came alive for the SECAD 30th anniversary celebration, marking three decades of community-led development that has enabled over €100 million in investment across Cork and beyond.
SECAD “30 Trees for 30 Communities” Initiative Launch
The morning began outside the community hall with the planting of a birch tree — one of our “30 Trees for 30 Communities” — symbolising growth, resilience, and the deep roots SECAD has established in local communities.
SECAD “30 Stories for 30 Years” exhibition showcases community impact
Inside, the exhibition “30 Stories for 30 Years” gave a tangible sense of what the €100 million investment represents. Through the experiences of individuals, the growth of local enterprises, and the development of community projects, the exhibition revealed the real impact of SECAD’s work: over 500 community infrastructure projects, support for 200 local enterprises, and thousands of lives positively transformed. It is a vivid reminder of what can be achieved when communities are trusted to lead their own development.
Discover the 30 Stories showcasing SECAD’s impact over 30 years
The celebration was honoured by the presence of An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Cllr. Marie O’Sullivan (deputising for the Mayor of County Cork), Christopher O’Sullivan TD, Sean Kelly MEP, and local councillors Gillian Coughlan, Ann Bambury, John Michael Foley, and Finbarr Harrington.
Speakers at SECAD 30th Anniversary Celebration
- Cllr. Marie O’Sullivan
- An Taoiseach Micheál Martin
- Ryan Howard, SECAD CEO
- Gerard McMahon, Chairman of the SECAD Board of Directors
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin on SECAD’s community impact
In his address, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD reflected:
“For 30 years, SECAD has been at the heart of building stronger, more inclusive communities across Cork and beyond. What began as a local initiative has become a model of what can be achieved when we trust communities to lead their own development. As someone with a personal connection to SECAD’s origins, I’m proud to see how far this organisation has come — and confident it will continue to make a powerful difference in the years ahead.”
Ryan Howard, SECAD CEO, on SECAD history and development
From very modest beginnings in 1995 — six months of funding, a board of volunteer trustees, and just one employee, Ryan Howard — SECAD has grown into a leading community development organisation, now with a team of 50 delivering programmes across Cork and beyond.
Pic: Brian Lougheed
The day was not only a reflection on achievements, but a celebration of people, partnerships, and possibilities for the future. It reminded everyone that SECAD is, and always has been, about communities working together to thrive.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Ballinadee Community Hall volunteers for hosting the event so warmly.
Pic: Brian Lougheed
Read more: discover the 30 Stories showcasing SECAD’s impact over 30 years.
