Using a selective clustering of three main inter-related concepts, namely ‘people-centred’, ‘pedagogy’ and ‘partnership’, this article presents a reflection on the engagement of Kimmage Development Studies Centre within the broad ‘development studies’ / ‘development education’ contexts in Ireland and abroad during the period 1974-2018. The programmes that were delivered by Kimmage have since transferred to a new Department of International Development at Maynooth University. Of the three ‘pillars’ employed, the element of partnership is the most tangible and visible aspect. However, the other two aspects –ensuring people remained at the centre of the work, and the educational approaches used –comprised a dedicated process, which ensured that the content, represented in all of the activities and outputs of Kimmage, remained congruent with good development practice. Though mainly a reflective piece looking back over four decades, the concluding remarks indicate a desire and commitment to continue the legacy of Kimmage.