April-June 2026 Highlights

Songwriter Colm Warren teamed up with the Cork branch to release an inspirational video for his single Without You, inspired by his nephew who has Down syndrome.

Various members of the branch were involved, including Sean McMahon, Emma O’Connor, David Wall and Mike Clifford, with members lip synching and performing, while also featuring video portraits of people involved with the branch.

The Department of Social Protection is working on a consultation on the cost of disability in Ireland. Down Syndrome Ireland made its submission with input from families, members, advocates and our member support team. We look forward to working with Government to ensure this becomes a meaningful step towards dignity, inclusion and equal participation for people with Down syndrome across Ireland. 

Members of the Kerry branch featured on RTÉ One’s Nationwide on April 24th, showcasing their cooking skills on the Kookabilities for Independence and Employability programme at MTU. 

The programme helps members to build confidence, foster independence, and master practical life skills, with the opportunity to then transition into professional culinary careers.

A huge congratulations to Dublin branch members Ailbhe Errity, Adam Lalor, Siobhan Loscher, Shauna Burke, and Lorna Dolan, who graduated from our Hospitality Training Programme in partnership with Dalata Hotel Group.

Over eight weeks, they trained in the food and beverage departments of hotels across Dublin, and since graduation, all members were offered paid employment!

In April, Down Syndrome Ireland met with Minister for Children, Equality and Disability, Norma Foley T.D. to discuss several key priorities for our community.  

The need for stronger and more consistent consultation by the National Council for Special Education was highlighted, particularly in relation to special class provision, so that decisions are shaped by the lived experience of our members and families. 

We were incredibly proud to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Ball, alongside ChildVision and FirstLight, for a special evening of generosity, community spirit, and shared purpose. We were joined by members of the National Advisory Council on the night, along with Dublin branch member, DJ Gordo Bergin, who got everyone up on their feet dancing! 

Thanks to this collective effort, more than €165,000 was raised!

Dubin branch member and National Advisory Council secretary, Orla Casey, was featured in Irish Country Magazine for their digital series, Growing Up Irish. 
 
In the piece, Orla chatted about growing up in Terenure, acting ambitions and working with fellow Irish acting stars. 

Kildare branch member Kim O’Kelly shared her thoughts with The Irish Times on her education and employment journey. 

“I don’t believe there should be any barriers to anyone getting an education and the encouragement to try things. People can do a lot things if you just give them the opportunity – and everyone deserves a chance in life, don’t they?”

Members of the Midlands Regional Advisory Council, Kim, Paul, Niamh, Claire, and Eva, were visited by the Clane hurling team before presenting at the Kildare branch AGM.  

Players Ethan Smith and Cormac Vizzard gifted the members with a signed jersey from all the team, after volunteering at An Garraí Beag, the branch’s horticulture premises.  

In May, we were delighted to announce Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, as Patron of Down Syndrome Ireland.
 
For World Down Syndrome Day this year, we were incredibly honoured that the President attended our celebrations in Dublin Zoo. It was an incredibly special occasion, and we look forward to working with the President throughout her Patronage.  

Down Syndrome Ireland met with the Minister for Special Education, Mr Michael Moynihan TD, and CEO of the National Council for Special Education, Mr John Kearney in May.

The main issues discussed were around the provision of Special Classes, the lack of data collected on the numbers of children with Down syndrome in the education system, and a proposal of a Transition Year programme.

Nina Carberry made a surprise visit to the All Star Book Club in Mullingar, as well as popping in to chat with members of both the National Advisory Council and the Louth Meath Regional Advisory Council.  

Members asked Nina about her experience in Europe, as a jockey, and her time on Dancing with the Stars. They also chatted to Nina about her books, which are a firm favourite in the clubs.

Ice Cream Fundays ran from June 15th-21st this year, with communities, schools, and workplaces coming together to support our Early Years services.

Amanda Murphy is mum to Oisín and an Early Intervention Specialist at Down Syndrome Ireland. As a paediatric nurse, Amanda decided to change her career in order to give more support to children with Down syndrome after Oisín was born. “The reason why Early Years Intervention is important for children like Oisín is because they are very capable and they are very confident, but they just need that little bit of extra support.” 

A massive well done to Eoin, Conor, Ciara, and Samia, who graduated from the Conrad Dublin’s Barista Academy training. Over five weeks, they learned many skills ranging from coffee making, polishing and general hospitality. 

‘My favourite part was making new friends‘, said Kildare branch member Conor. 

The Conrad Dublin has been running this training with our members for years, and as well as this training course, they also have six of our members employed across different areas in the hotel. 

Many of our incredible members competed at the Special Olympics Summer Games from June 18th-21st. The games kicked off with an incredible opening ceremony in Tallaght and was officially opened by President Catherine Connelly, with music provided by our very own DJ Gordo from the Dublin branch.

We are incredibly proud of all our talented and dedicated members who took part, competing in everything from athletics to basketball, and bringing home new medals and memories. Congratulations everyone, you did us all proud!