Media centre

Tour de Munster charity cycle comes to a close as participants tackle the heights of Patrick’s Hill

08 Aug 2022

The 22nd Tour de Munster charity cycle came to a thrilling end on Sunday, August 7th, as cyclists tackled St. Patrick’s Hill in Cork City,…

Tour de Munster is Primed for Annual 600km Charity Cycle

27 Jul 2022

As this year’s Tour de Munster charity cycle quickly approaches, cyclists will be entering the final stages of their training regimes to make sure they…

Woodie’s Heroes campaign raised €2.5 million in the last seven years for 11 children’s charities in Ireland

17 Jul 2022

Woodie’s Heroes 2022 fundraising campaign kicks off Sunday 17th July – Saturday 13th August in support of Childline by ISPCC, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, Down…

MACE retailers and customers hit the bikes to raise an extra €100,000 for Down Syndrome Ireland this summer

11 Jul 2022

Tour de MACE static cycling fundraising events proving hugely popular.

Down Syndrome Ireland urges people to GO FOR GOLD this Summer and raise vital funds for the charity

19 May 2022

Rugby star Alex Kendellen and Limerick Person of the Year 12-year-old Padraig O’Callaghan from ‘The Paudcast’ are asking people to ‘Go for Gold’ in aid…

Tour de Munster 2022 announces Charity Partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland

28 Apr 2022

Details of the charity partnership, that sees the annual 600km Tour de Munster charity cycle once again share the journey with Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI)…

Hero Nurse wins Down Syndrome Ireland raffle

26 Jan 2022

A nurse who works in a neonatal unit of a busy regional hospital caring for babies has been announced as the lucky winner of Down…

Toy Show Star Paudie Lands Interviews with An Taoiseach and Tánaiste

01 Dec 2021

Interview marks 50th Anniversary of Down Syndrome Ireland

Pedal Power as Tour de Munster raises over half a million for the Munster Branches

22 Nov 2021

MACE Retailers and their Customers Go the Extra Mile for Down Syndrome Ireland

18 Nov 2021

MACE Sales Director Peter Dawn recently presented Down Syndrome Ireland CEO, Barry Sheridan, with a cheque for €30,000.

President Michael D. Higgins attends launch of vibrant mural featuring people with Down syndrome

02 Nov 2021

‘Embrace Diversity’ mural marks 50 years of Down Syndrome Ireland.

Minister Simon Coveney Unveils Cork City Mural Marking 50 Years of Down Syndrome Ireland

15 Oct 2021

This morning Down Syndrome Ireland’s Cork branch launched a vibrant mural at Cork City Library to mark the charity’s 50th anniversary. Cork’s Lord Mayor Colm…

Artist Chosen to Create Cork Mural to Celebrate Down Syndrome Ireland’s 50th Anniversary

15 Oct 2021

Artist Paul La Rocque to Create Mural at Cork City Library.

Down Syndrome Ireland welcomes some measures in Budget 2022, but says more is needed

12 Oct 2021

Charity asks why is Government ignoring its own advice?

Down Syndrome Ireland launches national raffle to raise vital funds as charity marks 50 years

01 Oct 2021

As part of Down Syndrome Ireland’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the charity is today launching a national raffle to raise €100,000.

DSI and City of Dublin ETB announce partnership to offer further education courses

20 Jul 2021

We are delighted to announce a partnership with the City of Dublin ETB to offer further education courses for adults with Down syndrome.

Don’t Talk Down to Me!

27 Jul 2021

60ft Mural Featuring Amanda Butler with Down syndrome is unveiled in Dublin City Centre

Down Syndrome Ireland Marks 50 Years with The Upside

27 Jul 2021

New Campaign Highlights Significant Gaps for Inclusion in Ireland

Woodie’s launch their seventh annual Woodie’s Heroes campaign

19 Jul 2021

Almost €2 million raised in last six years for children’s charities in Ireland 2021 fundraising campaign kicks off Sunday 18th July – Sunday 15th August…

DSI celebrates a 20 year partnership with HB

15 Jul 2021

Renowned actor Mark Smith celebrates Down Syndrome Ireland’s 20th year in partnership with HB.

Seán Kelly officially launches 21st Annual Tour de Munster Charity Cycle

25 Jun 2021

With preparations in full swing for the 21st annual Tour de Muster charity cycle, legend of the sport Sean Kelly was on hand to officially…

Tilly’s Cycle

09 Jun 2021

Achill Island native, Michael D. Gallagher, will cycle from Mizen Head to Malin Head in memory of his niece Tilly Gallagher who died in 2018.

27 Ability Programmes launch digital tool for disability programmes

01 Jun 2021

27 Ability programmes nationwide, have collaborated and produced a digital ‘mapping’ tool, using existing creative software, to provide the public with information, resources and access…

Setting the Wheels in Motion

17 May 2021

Tour de Munster announces 2021 charity partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland.

Down Syndrome Ireland is asking people to rock ‘LotsofSocks4DSI’

21 Mar 2021

Share your images and videos with us on social media today to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!

Disability and Carers Groups secure commitment from Ministers Foley and Madigan

05 Mar 2021

Groups highlighted to Ministers members anger and disappointment at being left behind in the return-to-mainstream school plan

No consultation on changes to school re-opening plan that will negatively affect 20,000 children with additional needs

23 Feb 2021

Thousands of children with additional education needs ‘completely dropped’ from school re-opening agenda

18 Feb 2021

Groups waiting over a month for a meeting with Minister Foley while parents and children with additional educational needs left in the dark.

Adults with Down syndrome struggle with isolation and job losses as a result of Covid-19

12 Feb 2021

Down syndrome Ireland (DSI) and charity partners MACE, Ireland’s longest established convenience retailer, have launched a national fundraising campaign to support adults with Down syndrome…

Partial return to special education ‘a mixed day’ for families

11 Feb 2021

Seven leading advocacy organisations sees a partial return to special education for a limited number of students, as a mixed day for families.

Disability groups ‘cautiously’ welcome partial reopening of special education

02 Feb 2021

Four leading advocacy organisations representing children with special educational needs and their families, AsIAm, Down Syndrome Ireland, Family Carers Ireland and Inclusion Ireland, have cautiously…

Disability and Family Carer groups call on Government and unions to re-engage on special education

20 Jan 2021

Down Syndrome Ireland along with three other leading advocacy organisations representing children with special educational needs and their families, AsIAm, Inclusion Ireland and Family Carers Ireland,…

Children with disabilities and their families ‘almost completely forgotten’ in schools’ row

19 Jan 2021

Disability and Family Carer groups have appealed for the interests of vulnerable children to be prioritised, and for the Government and education stakeholders to re-engage…

Government announcement on phased return to school for students with special educational needs welcomed

15 Jan 2021

Yesterday, the Government announced its commitment to a return to school for children in special schools and primary school special classes, as well as some…

Disability and Family Carer groups welcome Government announcement on phased return to school

14 Jan 2021

Announcement will come as a huge relief to children with SEN and their families

Disability and Family Carer groups welcome Fórsa announcement on resumption of in-school services on a phased basis

13 Jan 2021

Announcement is positive signal – but remaining hurdles must be cleared urgently.

Disability and Family Carer groups welcome commitment to prioritise re-opening of schools for students with special educational needs

11 Jan 2021

Commitments must now be matched by urgent delivery, say representative organisations.

Families ‘devastated’ over special schools u-turn

08 Jan 2021

Disability groups seek urgent meeting with Minister Foley.

Government announcement on special schools and classes, but leaves majority of students behind

07 Jan 2021

A majority, 10,000 students, with special educational needs attend mainstream classes, and will not be catered for.

Leading Disability Groups say complete withdrawal of educational support services would be “intolerable”

05 Jan 2021

Representatives seek a meeting with Minister over potential further school closures.

20th Anniversary of Tour de Munster charity cycle

09 Dec 2020

20th Anniversary of Tour de Munster charity cycle raises 340k for Munster Branches of Down Syndrome Ireland and Individual Beneficiaries.

Students with additional needs face new challenges during COVID-19

02 Dec 2020

A survey conducted by three of the leading disability advocacy organisations in the State, Inclusion Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland and AsIAm, has found that whilst…

Rugby star launches 21 Day Fundraising Challenge in aid of DSI

02 Nov 2020

Conor Murray has been announced as new Down Syndrome Ireland ambassador Rugby star launches 21 Day Fundraising Challenge in aid of DSI

Sixth Annual Woodie’s Heroes Campaign raises €415,567 for Charity Partners

23 Oct 2020

The Sixth Annual Woodie’s Heroes Campaign raises €415,567 for Down Syndrome Ireland, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland and ISPCC Childline. Far exceeding the fundraising…

Budget 2021 – Down Syndrome Ireland broadly welcomes increased funding for disability supports

13 Oct 2020

Down Syndrome Ireland broadly welcomes the increased funding for disability supports announced in today’s Budget but says it is keen to see how this funding…

DSI’s Pre-Budget Submission 2021

09 Oct 2020

Did you know that Ireland – even before this awful pandemic -  is currently the worst country in western Europe to have a disability?

Sweet inspiration – a new take on a much loved fundraiser!

14 Sep 2020

HB Ice Cream Sunday will take place on Sunday, 20th September, with HB alongside Down Syndrome Ireland encouraging you to join in the sweet, treat…

Ultra-Cycling Charity Challenge

31 Jul 2020

A group of adventurers will take on the ultimate challenge of cycling a whopping 1,900 kilometers across 32 counties in Ireland in just six days…

20th annual Tour de Munster taking to the road this August

16 Jul 2020

This August, the Tour de Munster charity cycle is celebrating its 20th anniversary and will set out on its most important tour yet in order…

Dust off your dancing shoes and Dance4DSI this Sunday June 21st

17 Jun 2020

On Sunday, June 21st Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is inviting households, neighbours and communities to join them for Ireland’s biggest street dance and Dance4DSI to…

Whiskey lovers raise €13,000 in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland and Foyle Down Syndrome Trust

05 Jun 2020

For the 2nd year in a row, whiskey enthusiasts around Ireland have raised a whopping €13,400 in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland and Foyle Down Syndrome…

DSI welcomes revised Covid-19 critical care guidance

01 May 2020

Down Syndrome Ireland along with other advocacy groups recently raised concerns that the critical care guidance released by the Department of Health was unclear and…

Ireland fans to quiz Stephen Kenny and Niall Quinn in Down Syndrome Ireland/FAI show

24 Apr 2020

Some of Ireland’s biggest football fans will get the chance to quiz new Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny and World Cup legend Niall Quinn…

Down Syndrome Ireland outlines concerns on Department of Health COVID-19 guidance

15 Apr 2020

The Department of Health has recently published new guidance on the ‘Ethical Considerations Relating to Critical Care in the context of COVID-19’. Down Syndrome Ireland, along…

DSI co-signs a document on Ireland’s obligations under the UNCRPD

15 Apr 2020

Down Syndrome Ireland has co-signed a document on the rights of people with disabilities during the COVID-19 period. The statement calls on the government to adhere…

Lusso Tan and Down Syndrome Ireland encourage busy mums to #Take15Minutes this Mother’s Day

02 Mar 2020

As business women and mothers, the trio of sisters behind the luxury tanning brand, Lusso Tan, together with Down Syndrome Ireland, hope to give the…

HB Fundays Campaign raises over €250,000 for Down Syndrome Ireland

28 Oct 2019

More than 250 families of babies and young children with Down syndrome have been directly supported thanks to funds raised as part of this year’s…

New ‘Not Just a Princess’ book released in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland

23 Oct 2019

A new book for children released today featuring a Special Olympics athlete with Down syndrome.

HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays Party at Leinster House

04 Jul 2019

Senator John Dolan and several politicians were joined by children from Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) and their parents at Leinster House, to enjoy some ice cream…

Tour de Munster charity cycle 2019

28 Jun 2019

Celebrating its 19th year this August, the annual Tour de Munster charity cycle will once again take to the roads of Munster from August 8th…

The Millennial of the Year

25 Jul 2018

Irish rugby millennials Dan Leavy, Rory Scannell and Rory O'Loughlin and TV3 Xposé reporter Remy Naidoo were on hand to launch Ireland’s newest national fundraising…

DSI reaction to the launch of the Personalised Budgets Taskforce Report on Disability Services

19 Jul 2018