Our National Advisory Council

Sinéad Friel

NAC Chairperson

Hello, my name is Sinead. I am from Clontarf, Dublin. I am part of the Blue Diamond Theatre Company and I love to act. I compete in basketball and swimming in the Special Olympics but some of my favourite things to do are act, sing and dance. I joined the NCA because my sister is in politics, she got a new job in international politics in Brussels and she inspired me to join. 

Ross O’Neill

NAC Secretary

I'm Ross, I work at Down Syndrome Ireland as a Junior Office Administrator. I have good leadership and good experience working at different conferences and I travelled to New York to do a workshop presentation with Stewart's care. It was called my free time. I went to Budapest on a European studies project with Trinity College Dublin to learn about other European countries and the European Parliament in Brussels.  

Conor O’Donnell

NAC Treasurer

Chrissie Maccalari

NAC Team

Hi everyone, my name is Chrissie. I was born in Africa at Capetown City Park Hospital. I moved to Ireland when I was 4 and have 2 passports. I’m in college. I love to cook and I really enjoy baking. Staying fit and sports are very important to me, I enjoy swimming, bowling, basketball, rock climbing, and going to the gym. I like to watch Vampire Diaries and The Originals. 

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

Una Coates

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’m also an athlete. I won a gold medal with the Special Olympics for bowling.

Orla Casey

NAC Team

Hi, my name is Orla. I live in Dublin. I love to make Barista Coffee and cook. I’m in college and I am into tv and film. I love to act and have been in several short films.  I like IT and working on my computer. I love music, especially Ariana Grande and Hudson Taylor. I like fashion and fun such as writing and I am looking forward to getting involved with NAC.