25 Years of Annette

Celebrating 25 Years of Annette at Down Syndrome Ireland.

When you pick up the phone to Down Syndrome Ireland, the first thing you hear is a warm, reassuring voice, one that offers guidance, kindness and a genuine welcome. For the past 25 years, that voice has belonged to Annette O’Neill, our Member Support Officer and a cherished part of the DSI family. 

Annette has been supporting families, welcoming new members, and ensuring that no one ever feels alone on their journey. She has become a constant presence at the heart of this organisation, someone who knows everyone, remembers every story, and makes each new family feel at home. 

Those who work alongside Annette describe her not only as a colleague but also as a true friend. 

Down Syndrome Ireland’s President, Gerard O’Carroll, spoke about Annettes impact on the organisation: “Annette has for many years been the first point of contact people encountered when reaching out to DSI. This is a very important role and her reassuring voice has often been a source of comfort when responding to queries and pointing people towards required resources. We are grateful to Annette for her dedication and years of service and wish her health and happiness in the future”

Fidelma Brady, who has worked with her across three different offices, said “Annette has been a driving force behind everything that is good in DSI. Her absolute dedication to improving the life of our members has always been, and continues to be, her priority. You couldn’t ask for a better colleague and friend.” 

“She has always been a great friend and colleague who will go the extra mile for the benefit of our members,” echoes Nichola Hart. 

Sinéad Flynn describes Annette as “an absolute gem. Working with Annette means often hearing and saying, ‘Ask Annette’, or ‘I’ll check with Annette – she’ll know!’ On the days she’s not working, you hear, ‘Where’s Annette?’, ‘When is Annette back?’ People with Down syndrome are at the heart of everything she does.” 

Sandra Ryan describes her as the heartbeat of the office, “there’s always a bit of craic and mischief about Annette, which is a breath of fresh air when work gets intense.” 

“When we mention Annette’s name nationwide, all DSI members know exactly who we are talking about, she has helped so many people in some way over the years. No ask is ever too big. She always meets us with a smile, a chat and a laugh,” says Aoife Gaffney. 

Olive Buckeridge says that “Annette is an absolute legend! If in doubt, ring Annette. She is always ready to help, kind to everyone, and DSI is very lucky to have her.” 

It is not only colleagues who feel Annette’s warmth, families across the country have experienced her kindness first-hand. Emer, whose daughter Maisie was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth, recalls, “I reached out to Down Syndrome Ireland and I was talking to a lovely lady, Annette. I remember just coming off the phone and feeling that she gave me such lovely advice. She was very kind and reassuring.” 

Annette has touched thousands of lives during her 25 years with DSI. She is the person families turn to in moments of joy, in times of uncertainty, and at every step in between. She is a colleague who brings laughter to the office, a friend who is always there to listen, and above all, a champion for people with Down syndrome. 

So today, we celebrate 25 years of Annette, her compassion, her dedication, and her infectious spirit.