[Pictured L to R]: CEO Gary Owens, former DSI President Mary Doherty with newly instated DSI President Liam Ahern.
We are delighted to welcome our new President Liam Ahern, who is a member of our Cork branch.
Liam was welcomed into office at this year’s AGM, which was hosted by our Louth / Meath branch in the beautiful Trim Castle Hotel.
Liam is married to Rena and Dad to Laura who is 19 years old and has Down syndrome. As a family, they have been involved in Down Syndrome Ireland since shortly after she was born. Liam’s daughter attended mainstream primary school and Scoil Bernadette special school for her second level education.
Laura is currently with COPE foundation as part of their post primary DORAS programme. Both Laura and Liam have recently given presentations to speech and language students in University College Cork (UCC) and childcare students in Cork College of Commerce on raising the awareness around the capabilities of our children with Down syndrome. As a teacher and principal, Liam has a huge interest in education supports for children and teenagers with Down syndrome. You can read more about Liam’s tireless work in the area of education and disability here.
At Liam’s inaugural address at our AGM, he thanked all the amazing parents, volunteers and staff involved with Down Syndrome Ireland who work to improve the lives of our members across the country, while also outlining the continued work ahead.
Liam finished his address with a special thank you to our former President Mary Doherty, commending her on the dedication and commitment she brought to her role as President.
We look forward to working with Liam over the coming months and years ahead.
