Meet the National Advisory Council
Our National Advisory Council (NAC) represents the opinions of adults with Down syndrome within our organisation. The Council comprises of adults with Down syndrome from across Ireland.
This National Advisory Council of Down Syndrome Ireland commenced their term of office in May 2022.
Fintan Bray
NAC Chairperson
My name is Fintan, I have been a part of the RAC of the Louth Meath branch. Before the RAC, I was a part of Fianna Fail for many years, the first person with Down syndrome to have a senior position in the political party. I came to the NAC in early 2025, I got elected as acting Chairperson for the NAC. I love music, art, sports and Dancing with the Stars. I am a recruitment officer with the Fianna Fail Disability network. I am training for a 4 mile run.
Eric Nolan
NAC Member
Hi people, my name is Eric Nolan. I live with my parents, brother and sister. I play basketball for the club “Southside Shooters”. I also love soccer, walking, swimming and fitness training. I love to go to Ireland and Man United football games and music concerts I work for Diageo two days a week and attend the “Ash Tree” centre in Tallaght. I joined the NAC in 2023. I’m happy to help to Down Syndrome Ireland and its members.
Una Coates
NAC PRO
Hi everyone, my name is Una Coates. To tell you a little bit about myself – I spoke in the Mansion House to all the TDs and I also gave an opening statement in the Oireachtas for self-advocacy. That was an amazing experience. Also, I was on the Six One News for International Day of Persons with Disabilities to turn the purple lights on at the mansion house and wrote an article about “Working makes me feel important”. I did an interview with The Journal on the positive changes and challenges on voting for Down syndrome. I’m also an athlete. I won a gold medal with the Special Olympics for bowling.
Orla Casey
NAC Secretary
Hi, my name is Orla. I live in Dublin. I love to make coffee and cook. I am into tv and film. I love to act and have been in several short films and RTÉ’s Clean Sweep. I like writing and being an advocate for people with Down syndrome. Marie Doyle Kennedy is my favourite actress because she is a good advocate too. I also look up to James Martin as the first person with Down syndrome to win an Oscar.
If you would like to get involved or have any questions about our National Advisory Council, please contact our Head of Further Education and Training, Sinéad Flynn at sinead@downsyndrome.ie or 086 103 5335