Directors
Michael O’Kane
(Chairperson)
I have been a HAI member since 2018 but have been an avid humanist for many years. I have been on the board since March 2020 and during this time, I initiated and supported a full review of the strategic plan 2015-2020 and presented a working document to help move the Association forward.
Many of you may know me as the host of our wonderful Humanist Online Talks and I have been actively involved in these since 2022 and will continue to do so as they offer a positive platform to discuss fascinating topics with brilliant guest speakers. I am confident I can continue to develop our Association in a positive manner and bring a more youthful and energetic connect across our members and a sharp focus on school and university development.
Some interesting facts about me – I am a Level 2 open-water, indoor pool swimming and water polo teacher and coach and I have represented Ireland at World and European Masters swimming championships and I am also a fluent Spanish speaker.
Dominic Moore
(Vice Chairperson )
When I joined the Humanist community in 2016, I felt like I finally met ‘my tribe’. I became  the Convenor of the Cork Humanists in 2022 and it’s been my honour to oversee projects that we’ve carried out with a fine bunch of people, such as providing picnics to our less fortunate brothers and sisters in Direct Provision and Ukrainian Children Displaced by War. I qualified as a Humanist Celebrant in 2024. This year (2025), I was honoured to become a Board member and also to step in as editor of the HAI digital magazine, Being Human. For the future, I believe more and more people will connect with Humanism as an ethical life choice. At the end of the day, we humans are responsible for the upkeep of the planet where we live, and for looking out for our fellow brothers and sisters who live with us on it.
I love my day job as a Digital Officer in the Butter Museum in Shandon. I’m responsible for the design and upkeep of our website, our social media and the digitising of our artefact collections. I work regularly with University College Cork, creating digital exhibitions and lecturing students of the Digital Humanities.
As an actor, I’ve had an association with RTE since 1992, as an actor and writer in programmes like The Morbegs (remember them? 😊) and The Rimini Riddle. Career highlights of my stage career include working with the Gare St Lazare Ireland, as Pozzo in their acclaimed production of Waiting for Godot, touring to Shanghai and New York.
Morina Brady
Hi, I’m Mórina! I am a retired IT Consultant with a long career in management and problem-solving. Since retiring, I have remained active in my community, serving as the Chairwoman of the Citizens Information Phone Service, spending time volunteering, traveling, and making the most of this chapter of my life.
I have long been drawn to humanism and its values of reason, compassion, and equality. My second marriage was officiated by a humanist celebrant, which was a deeply meaningful experience for me. That moment reinforced my belief in the importance of humanist principles, and I am proud to be part of the Humanist Association of Ireland. I believe strongly in the power of kindness and connection and in celebrating life in a way that reflects our shared humanity.
Family is at the heart of everything I do. I am a mother to six children and a grandmother to seven amazing grandchildren. Watching them grow, learn, and experience the world is the greatest joy of my life. Whether travelling, spending time with loved ones, or simply embracing everyday moments, I find fulfilment in the relationships and experiences that shape my life.
Patrick Cassidy
I am a committed Humanist, qualified legal solemniser, and active regional group convenor. I’ve had the privilege of creating inclusive, meaningful ceremonies for weddings and memorials, and building connections across our community.
I previously served a short term on the Board during a challenging period for the organisation, which gave me valuable insight into the dedication and teamwork needed to keep the HAI strong. My professional background includes a career with multinationals in HR, training and education for business. Currently I am a board member of a large private water scheme in the Midlands and I am a volunteer with the Samaritans. These are skills and experience which I believe are directly relevant to supporting our growth, strengthening our governance, and engaging our members.
As a Director, I aim to contribute my practical experience in public representation, ceremony delivery, and organisational planning; support initiatives that increase public awareness and understanding of Humanism.; advocate for inclusive, ethical, and compassionate approaches within our community and in wider Irish society and help strengthen the Association’s visibility and engagement across all counties.
Noman Sattar
Coming from Kabirwala, Pakistan, where I was born and lived for around 30 years of my life, I have been a humanist for well over a decade now. My journey in humanism began with a strong emphasis in promoting human rights, equality, and social justice towards those who were suppressed and voiceless. With freedom of expression as my fundamental value and a sceptical and contrarian outlook, I have absorbed insights from all sides of the non-conformist spectrum, from exquisite wordsmiths like Christopher Hitchens to the calm and scholarly Daniel Dennett. This belief in learning from all perspectives has helped shape my views, aiming to be fair, unbiased, and pragmatic.
Over the years, I have collaborated with various organizations and individuals to support and advocate for those who face oppression and discrimination. I have initiated and supported numerous projects aimed at empowering marginalized communities. My work has included organizing workshops, providing legal aid, and facilitating safe spaces for open dialogue and expression. I am enthusiastic about creating platforms and driving movements where voices that are oft silenced can be heard and respected.
Some interesting facts about me – I am fluent in multiple languages, including Punjabi, Urdu, and English, which has helped my work in connecting communities. In my free time, I enjoy reading about science, creeds, and history. I am also an avid traveller, always eager to learn about unique cultures and novel perspectives. I am committed to continuing my efforts in promoting humanism and look forward to contributing to the growth and development of our community.
Tadhg Ó Séaghdha
Tadhg Ó Séaghdha has been a humanist all his adult life and joined the HAI board of directors in 2025. He spent time as a leading behavioural psychologist and psychotherapist at a charitable association advocating preventative mental health medicine, based in the canton of Berne in Switzerland, and has recently returned to Ireland to write material for stories, games, and apps for use by children, adolescents, and young adults.
Tadgh has single-handedly raised €2.3 million for the National Organisation for the Reduction of Stress, Anxiety and Depression over the past 18 months and set-up research facilities in London and in two states in India. This small organisation is engaged in preventative, mental medicine.
Staff
Niamh Clowry
Operations Manager
Niamh was appointed to the position of Operations Manager in April 2025, having joined the association as Administrator and Company Secretary in July 2024. Prior to joining the HAI, she worked with Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality for six years and before that worked in a number of Irish Charities. She has extensive experience in project management, finance and communications and holds a BA in History, Politics and Social Studies and an MA in Peace and Development Studies, both from the University of Limerick. She is strongly committed to Human Rights and Equality and loves nothing more than engaging in debates on topical issues.
Sinéad Barry
Membership & Website Coordinator
Sinéad joined the Humanist Association of Ireland as Membership & Website Co-ordinator in December 2024. Prior to joining HAI, Sinéad worked as a Graphic & Website Designer in the healthcare, fashion & mining industries in Ireland and international for over 20 years. She has a BA in Visual Communications from the Limerick College of Art & Design as well as a qualification in UX Design from Griffith College. Sinéad brings a dynamic and results-driven approach to her role as Membership & Website Co-ordinator. She has a passion for creating seamless online experiences that are user-centric, efficient and engaging. Sinéad is committed to growing HAI membership and ensuring the organisations website is efficient, user-focused and informative.
Megan De Siún
Administrator and Company Secretary
I have come to HAI from a background of business management, communications and photography. I have spent many years living in Australia, the UK, and returned to Ireland in recent years to put down roots and build community bonds. 'It takes a village', after all.
I completed a BA in Criminology and Sociology, and an MA in Sociology and Social Justice at Staffordshire University. I am particularly passionate about human rights, and I work with community groups to improve access to education and services and facilitate cross-cultural outreach and arts workshops locally.
I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to join HAI, as the values of this organisation are very close to my heart and I look forward to supporting the operations of the organisation.
Dara Hogan
Finance Director
I’m a retired Chartered Management Accountant with extensive, board-level experience in the logistics and FMCG sectors. The last 7 years of my career were in social enterprise at An Cosán in Tallaght West where I devised the award-winning Fledglings Early Years group of 8 crèches / pre-schools for families in areas of deprivation.
I have had a life-long commitment to the sport and not-for-profit sectors. In the 1970s I was a volunteer soup-runner for the Simon Community and Treasurer of the Irish Underwater Council. More recently I chaired the Irish Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association (IHPA) for more than a decade and I have been Director / Treasurer of the National Aero Club of Ireland (NACI) since 2006.
I’m a HAI member since 2005 and since my appointment, I registered HAI with Revenue and set up payroll and monthly management accounts in the cloud. I have also built an integrated database in QuickBooks for celebrants’ ceremonies.
I’m a husband, father and grandfather who loves having time with Mary (also retired) and my family. I’m also an active paraglider pilot and a musician.
