Our team

As a team, we are dedicated to supporting our members and their families, in this section you will find all of our staff and their contact information. 

Barry Sheridan - CEO

Barry is our Chief Executive Officer and is a skilled business development and programme manager with diverse experience in local development − including social inclusion programmes supporting young people, unemployed, and those most disadvantaged, to fulfill their potential.   He has 10 years’ experience of successfully developing innovative business development strategy solutions across the public and private sectors, with an excellent track record in increasing funding and attracting sponsorship from corporates and through national / EU funding applications.   A highly flexible, adaptable, and effective at managing multiple projects, dedicated teams, and stakeholders -  Barry is currently completing MSc in Local Development and Innovation on part-time basis.   You can contact him via email at Barry@downsyndrome.ie … Read More

Barry Sheridan

CEO

Barry is our Chief Executive Officer and is a skilled business development and programme manager with diverse experience in local development − including social inclusion programmes supporting young people, unemployed, and those most disadvantaged, to fulfill their potential.
 
He has 10 years’ experience of successfully developing innovative business development strategy solutions across the public and private sectors, with an excellent track record in increasing funding and attracting sponsorship from corporates and through national / EU funding applications.
 
A highly flexible, adaptable, and effective at managing multiple projects, dedicated teams, and stakeholders -  Barry is currently completing MSc in Local Development and Innovation on part-time basis.
 
You can contact him via email at Barry@downsyndrome.ie

Member Support Team

Nicola Hart - Member Support Team Leader

Nicola Hart is an experienced Speech and Language Therapist who has worked for over 20 years with people who have Down syndrome and their families. She has been working for Down Syndrome Ireland since 2010, first in a local branch, then in a national capacity.
Nicola became full time team leader for the Member Support Team in 2017. She continues to offer advice, training and support as National Speech and Language Advisor and has given up her direct Speech and Language Therapy work with the local branch in Kildare in order to concentrate on her national role.
Nicola believes strongly that research should inform practice, and represents Down Syndrome Ireland annually at the European Down Syndrome Research Forum. She is active in disseminating … Read More

Nicola Hart

Member Support Team Leader

Nicola Hart is an experienced Speech and Language Therapist who has worked for over 20 years with people who have Down syndrome and their families. She has been working for Down Syndrome Ireland since 2010, first in a local branch, then in a national capacity.
Nicola became full time team leader for the Member Support Team in 2017. She continues to offer advice, training and support as National Speech and Language Advisor and has given up her direct Speech and Language Therapy work with the local branch in Kildare in order to concentrate on her national role.
Nicola believes strongly that research should inform practice, and represents Down Syndrome Ireland annually at the European Down Syndrome Research Forum. She is active in disseminating information from research to families and professionals working with people who have Down syndrome via training, conferences and the Down Syndrome Ireland magazine. She is very interested in the link between spoken and written language in children and adults who have Down syndrome, and is working with Speech and Language Therapist Grainne De Paor on some original research on the impact of adult literacy learning on spoken language.
Nicola is secretary of the Down Syndrome Ireland Special Interest Group for Speech and Language Therapists (DSI SIG). She is a member of the Lámh Research and Development Board, and was involved in developing the concept and content of the award-winning ‘Lámh Time’ app. Nicola is also a member of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT), and recently co-authored an IASLT position paper on Speech and Language Therapy provision for Children with Intellectual Disabilities.

 

Nicola can be contacted on 087 1444 382 or by email: nicola@downsyndrome.ie

Fiona McGrane - Research Nurse

Fiona McGrane (CNM11, RNID, RCN) was appointed as research nurse in Down Syndrome Ireland in July 2010. She is based at Trinity College Dublin, Department of Paediatrics National Children’s Hospital Tallaght. This post is supported by Down Syndrome Ireland.   Fiona is a qualified paediatric nurse and also an intellectual disability nurse. She holds a diploma in social care awarded by Stockport University. Fiona has a broad experience in acute paediatric nursing and also with children and adults with an intellectual disability. Her role is to provide support and education and to conduct research in the area of Down syndrome.    Fiona is available from Monday to Friday to provide advice, up-to-date information and education in relation to any medical queries that you may have … Read More

Fiona McGrane

Research Nurse

Fiona McGrane (CNM11, RNID, RCN) was appointed as research nurse in Down Syndrome Ireland in July 2010. She is based at Trinity College Dublin, Department of Paediatrics National Children’s Hospital Tallaght. This post is supported by Down Syndrome Ireland.
 
Fiona is a qualified paediatric nurse and also an intellectual disability nurse. She holds a diploma in social care awarded by Stockport University. Fiona has a broad experience in acute paediatric nursing and also with children and adults with an intellectual disability. Her role is to provide support and education and to conduct research in the area of Down syndrome. 
 
Fiona is available from Monday to Friday to provide advice, up-to-date information and education in relation to any medical queries that you may have about children and adolescents with Down syndrome. If you would like to speak with Fiona, you can reach her on 01 8963785 or 087 8334916 and by email fiona@downsyndrome.ie.

Fidelma Brady - Head of Education

Fidelma Brady is our Head of Education and is available to support you and your child in their journey through school from primary, post primary and special school.
She will also provide advice and information at each stage of educational transition and when difficulties arise.
Fidelma will also be available to provide support, information, advice and training for schools and teachers to assist them in the provision of appropriate education for children and young people with Down syndrome.
The development and delivery of conferences, workshops and training at regional and national level for parents and education professionals will also be a key focus for Fidelma.
A key component of our Member Support Team, she will continue to research, collect and disseminate … Read More

Fidelma Brady

Head of Education

Fidelma Brady is our Head of Education and is available to support you and your child in their journey through school from primary, post primary and special school.
She will also provide advice and information at each stage of educational transition and when difficulties arise.
Fidelma will also be available to provide support, information, advice and training for schools and teachers to assist them in the provision of appropriate education for children and young people with Down syndrome.
The development and delivery of conferences, workshops and training at regional and national level for parents and education professionals will also be a key focus for Fidelma.
A key component of our Member Support Team, she will continue to research, collect and disseminate current information on the learning needs of students with Down syndrome, to include international methods of best practice and intervention strategies.
A primary teacher by profession and within that field, Fidelma has always had a great interest in special education – with a particular focus on Down syndrome.
Over the years, she has been fortunate to have taught in many schools, large & small, urban & rural. This has given her a wide experience of the many issues facing children and their parents within the education system, particularly those children with special educational needs.
Having undertaken many professional development courses over the years, she holds a Master’s Degree in Education (M.A.) and an Honours Diploma in Special Education, as well as a Bachelor of Education Degree (B.ED.). She is currently studying for a Doctorate in Education, with the education of children with Down syndrome being the main focus.
Fidelma can be contacted through our national office on (01) 5632450 and by email at fidelma@downsyndrome.ie.

Aoife Gaffney - Head of Employment and Projects

Aoife Gaffney is our Head of Employment, she previously worked with the Waterford & South Kilkenny Branch of DSI in 2016/17 and has worked in our National Office since July 2017.  Aoife has over 10 years experience working with children & adolescents with Autism, Down syndrome & other disabilities.  Aoife works on our Ability Programme, securing partnerships with employers and providing training and support to ensure meaningful employment opportunities for adults with Down syndrome.  She also works hands on with adults with Down syndrome, delivering intensive pre-employment training, prior to them beginning work, and providing ongoing support while at work.  Aoife manages our Beauty in all its Forms Programme, which is a joint initiative with Alfaparf Milano and provides training to adults with Down syndrome, … Read More

Aoife Gaffney

Head of Employment and Projects

Aoife Gaffney is our Head of Employment, she previously worked with the Waterford & South Kilkenny Branch of DSI in 2016/17 and has worked in our National Office since July 2017.  Aoife has over 10 years experience working with children & adolescents with Autism, Down syndrome & other disabilities. 

Aoife works on our Ability Programme, securing partnerships with employers and providing training and support to ensure meaningful employment opportunities for adults with Down syndrome.  She also works hands on with adults with Down syndrome, delivering intensive pre-employment training, prior to them beginning work, and providing ongoing support while at work.  Aoife manages our Beauty in all its Forms Programme, which is a joint initiative with Alfaparf Milano and provides training to adults with Down syndrome, that graduate as Hairdressing Assistants, with a view to securing employment.  

Aoife can be contacted through our national office on (01) 5632450 or by mobile at 089-7036 209 and by email at aoife@downsyndrome.ie.

Helena Connors - Adult Advocacy Officer

Helena Connors joined us in January 2018 in the new role of Adult Advocacy Officer. Helena has worked in various roles supporting people with disabilities for the past twenty years. She recently returned to college and completed an LLM in Disability Law and Policy. In addition to studying Irish Disability Law and Policy there was a strong focus on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
As Adult Advocacy Officer, Helena supports adults with Down syndrome and their families to have their voices heard and to act as a voice for people who don’t yet have the skills to do so. Helena can be contacted through our national office on (01) 5632450 or by mobile 086 4649 408 and by email at … Read More

Helena Connors

Adult Advocacy Officer

Helena Connors joined us in January 2018 in the new role of Adult Advocacy Officer. Helena has worked in various roles supporting people with disabilities for the past twenty years. She recently returned to college and completed an LLM in Disability Law and Policy. In addition to studying Irish Disability Law and Policy there was a strong focus on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
As Adult Advocacy Officer, Helena supports adults with Down syndrome and their families to have their voices heard and to act as a voice for people who don’t yet have the skills to do so.

Helena can be contacted through our national office on (01) 5632450 or by mobile 086 4649 408 and by email at helena@downsyndrome.ie.

Lisa Martin - Head of Adult Education

Lisa Martin is our Head of Adult Education and coordinates our Adult Education Programme. Lisa is a secondary school teacher and her career has focused on students’ literacy skills. Lisa has written our work skills adult education course which forms a key part of the Ability programme. She has also taught the Latch On literacy and technology programme in our Limerick branch for four years. She supports adults who wish to progress to further education or would like training in order to enter the workforce. Lisa can be contacted through our National Office on (01) 5632450 or by mobile 086 0126 669  and on email at lisamartin@downsyndrome.ie … Read More

Lisa Martin

Head of Adult Education

Lisa Martin is our Head of Adult Education and coordinates our Adult Education Programme. Lisa is a secondary school teacher and her career has focused on students’ literacy skills. Lisa has written our work skills adult education course which forms a key part of the Ability programme. She has also taught the Latch On literacy and technology programme in our Limerick branch for four years. She supports adults who wish to progress to further education or would like training in order to enter the workforce. Lisa can be contacted through our National Office on (01) 5632450 or by mobile 086 0126 669  and on email at lisamartin@downsyndrome.ie

Sinéad Flynn - Adult Education Officer

Sinéad is our Adult Education Officer. Her role focuses on the development and delivery of adult education courses for people with Down Syndrome. She brings over 25 years' experience working across education in diverse settings to the role. She has taught in primary school, post-primary and further education, including Special Education and mainstream… Read More

Sinéad Flynn

Adult Education Officer

Sinéad is our Adult Education Officer. Her role focuses on the development and delivery of adult education courses for people with Down Syndrome. She brings over 25 years' experience working across education in diverse settings to the role. She has taught in primary school, post-primary and further education, including Special Education and mainstream in disadvantaged and private settings, co-ordinated special classes and published successful teaching material. 

Sinéad is a strong believer in lifelong learning. Since her Social Science Degree in Social Work & Social Administration in 1992, Sinéad has completed a wide range of courses, including a Masters in Applied Linguistics and training in tutoring Adult Literacy. Her most recent qualification is a Post-Grad Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education, completed in 2020. She is passionate about education and empowering people with disabilities to reach their full potential through education. You can reach Sinéad at Sinead@downsyndrome.ie or 086 1035335 

Joanne Dawson - Employment Officer

Following a Bachelor Honours Degree in Business and Marketing, Joanne qualified as a Life and Career Coach along with other qualifications which include Training and Community Development. With a passion and strong desire to support people to fulfill their goals, she has worked with many organisations over the years which includes working with people with disabilities supporting them towards their employment and education goals.

Joanne can be contacted at 0861073979 or by email at joanne.d@downsyndrome.ie. … Read More

Joanne Dawson

Employment Officer

Following a Bachelor Honours Degree in Business and Marketing, Joanne qualified as a Life and Career Coach along with other qualifications which include Training and Community Development. With a passion and strong desire to support people to fulfill their goals, she has worked with many organisations over the years which includes working with people with disabilities supporting them towards their employment and education goals.

Joanne can be contacted at 0861073979 or by email at joanne.d@downsyndrome.ie.

Annette O’Neill - Member Support Officer

Our Member Support Officer is Annette O’Neill. Annette provides support services to our members as well as with our branches around the country. Annette is also involved in organising and delivering our information events, conferences and our annual AGM. Other duties include the management of the membership database. Annette also handles Numicon inquires and liaises with our Numicon Trainers to deliver Numicon training which takes place regularly in branches, schools and education centres around the country. Numicon has proved to be an extremely effective tool in teaching Maths to people with Down syndrome. Annette can be contacted at by email at annette@downsyndrome.ie or by phone on (01) 5632450 or mobile 083 4031 817 … Read More

Annette O’Neill

Member Support Officer

Our Member Support Officer is Annette O’Neill.

Annette provides support services to our members as well as with our branches around the country. Annette is also involved in organising and delivering our information events, conferences and our annual AGM. Other duties include the management of the membership database.

Annette also handles Numicon inquires and liaises with our Numicon Trainers to deliver Numicon training which takes place regularly in branches, schools and education centres around the country. Numicon has proved to be an extremely effective tool in teaching Maths to people with Down syndrome.

Annette can be contacted at by email at annette@downsyndrome.ie or by phone on (01) 5632450 or mobile 083 4031 817

Regional Resource Officers

Our Regional Resource Officers help people with Down syndrome and their family’s access support locally.

Regional Resource Officers provide vital support and a point of contact for new parents as well as families who need help and support at local level at every life stage.

Mike Egan - Regional Resource Officer - Louth Meath Branch

Mike Egan started working with the Louth Meath branch of DSI as a part-time Regional Resource Officer in November 2016, having had over 10 years front-line and management experience in adult learning disability services.
His role in the Louth Meath branch is to act as an information and support officer for the members and committee, helping to ensure they are aware of their full entitlements and rights to get all the services and opportunities that they need. Where such services are not readily available, Mike works with the branch and DSI National Team to campaign for additional and improved services for members of all ages.
He has a particular interest in the possibility of individualised funding/personal budgets for people with Down syndrome to … Read More

Mike Egan

Regional Resource Officer - Louth Meath Branch

Mike Egan started working with the Louth Meath branch of DSI as a part-time Regional Resource Officer in November 2016, having had over 10 years front-line and management experience in adult learning disability services.
His role in the Louth Meath branch is to act as an information and support officer for the members and committee, helping to ensure they are aware of their full entitlements and rights to get all the services and opportunities that they need. Where such services are not readily available, Mike works with the branch and DSI National Team to campaign for additional and improved services for members of all ages.
He has a particular interest in the possibility of individualised funding/personal budgets for people with Down syndrome to enable them to reach their full potential and be active, included members of the community.
Mike has an undergraduate degree in Communication Studies, an MSc in Education and Training Management and, more recently, has trained as a mindfulness teacher for stress reduction and other benefits.
Mike can be contacted at mike@downsyndrome.ie or 085 8618866.

Mary Frances O’Dwyer - Regional Employment Officer for Dublin

Mary Frances O’Dwyer is the Regional Employment Officer for Dublin. She works to bring together adults with Down syndrome that are looking to gain meaningful employment with employers who can provide such opportunities, across a range of sectors in the Dublin area. Mary Frances has a background in drama, and for over a decade has been working to support adults with disabilities, in various settings. She has worked in third-level institutions with students who have diverse needs, both in the classroom and in library support. She has taught classes in drama and literacy to groups of adults with intellectual disabilities in day services around Dublin, including guiding groups toward achieving QQI certificates in drama. For Down Syndrome Ireland, Mary Frances has previously worked with the … Read More

Mary Frances O’Dwyer

Regional Employment Officer for Dublin

Mary Frances O’Dwyer is the Regional Employment Officer for Dublin. She works to bring together adults with Down syndrome that are looking to gain meaningful employment with employers who can provide such opportunities, across a range of sectors in the Dublin area.

Mary Frances has a background in drama, and for over a decade has been working to support adults with disabilities, in various settings. She has worked in third-level institutions with students who have diverse needs, both in the classroom and in library support.

She has taught classes in drama and literacy to groups of adults with intellectual disabilities in day services around Dublin, including guiding groups toward achieving QQI certificates in drama. For Down Syndrome Ireland, Mary Frances has previously worked with the Ability Programme, in the classroom in MOTE and Work Skills classes, with the Alfaparf: Beauty in all its Forms training and with the National Advisory Council.

Mary Frances can be contacted by mobile at 086 4112 946 and by email modwyer@downsyndrome.ie.

Deirdre Nugent - Galway Branch

Deirdre Nugent is Regional Resource Officer for DSI, Galway Branch and works part-time in this role since November 2020. Deirdre has been involved with the Galway branch since the birth of her son Adam in 2006 who has a Dual diagnosis of DS and ASD. Deirdre has seen the branch get bigger and better over that time with over 300 members, spanning across the whole life span. With 2 DSG centres now up and running in Co. Galway, it has opened up countless opportunities for the running of various groups to support not just members but their families and carers also.   Deirdre offers support and information about services and links families in with the National Member support team when needed, has helped DS Galway … Read More

Deirdre Nugent

Galway Branch

Deirdre Nugent is Regional Resource Officer for DSI, Galway Branch and works part-time in this role since November 2020. Deirdre has been involved with the Galway branch since the birth of her son Adam in 2006 who has a Dual diagnosis of DS and ASD. Deirdre has seen the branch get bigger and better over that time with over 300 members, spanning across the whole life span. With 2 DSG centres now up and running in Co. Galway, it has opened up countless opportunities for the running of various groups to support not just members but their families and carers also.
 
Deirdre offers support and information about services and links families in with the National Member support team when needed, has helped DS Galway establish friendships with agencies such as TUS and CE Scheme, services such as GRETB and Brothers of Charity and with the communities of Claregalway and Moycullen where both Centres are based.
 
Deirdre hopes to continue on this link with the community so that it will continue to benefit our members into the future and maybe result in possible employment, work experience, etc for our members. Deirdre continues to keep members informed of what is happening in the world of Disability, to source funding to ensure that
the many supports that have been set up will continue to run and be expanded on, while sourcing new and exciting opportunities to ensure that every member of every age is part of DSG.
 
Deirdre can be contacted at DeirdreNugent@downsyndrome.ie or 087 4211 345

Central Support Team

Down Syndrome Ireland’s Central Support Team supports members, branches and the professional community connected by Down syndrome.

Anne-Marie Dolan - Senior Administrator

Anne-Marie Dolan is Senior Administrator and receptionist at our national office.
Anne-Marie can be contacted at reception@downsyndrome.ie or (01) 5632450. … Read More

Anne-Marie Dolan

Senior Administrator

Anne-Marie Dolan is Senior Administrator and receptionist at our national office.
Anne-Marie can be contacted at reception@downsyndrome.ie or (01) 5632450.

Ross O’Neill - Junior Administrator

Ross O’Neill is our Junior Administrator. Ross has been working at DSI for 12 years and plays a central role at the National Office. His jobs include distributing in-coming post and ensuring that the post book is signed daily, issuing requests for 'student packs', photocopying and ensuring photocopier paper trays are filled, assisting with mailouts, greeting and looking after visitors to National Office and ensuring Visitor Book sign-ins.  Ross also takes responsibility for setting up for meetings and conferences and clearing up after same. He takes in all deliveries and puts away as required. Ross weighs, franks, sorts and bags all out-going post and laminates posters and signs, as well as binding documents and publications. Ross also assists at fundraising events and assists all members … Read More

Ross O’Neill

Junior Administrator

Ross O’Neill is our Junior Administrator.

Ross has been working at DSI for 12 years and plays a central role at the National Office. His jobs include distributing in-coming post and ensuring that the post book is signed daily, issuing requests for 'student packs', photocopying and ensuring photocopier paper trays are filled, assisting with mailouts, greeting and looking after visitors to National Office and ensuring Visitor Book sign-ins.  Ross also takes responsibility for setting up for meetings and conferences and clearing up after same. He takes in all deliveries and puts away as required. Ross weighs, franks, sorts and bags all out-going post and laminates posters and signs, as well as binding documents and publications. Ross also assists at fundraising events and assists all members of staff with their work.

 

 

Payroll and Human Resources

Willie Lewins - Payroll and Human Resources Manager

Our Payroll and Human Resources Manager is Willie Lewins. Willie takes care of all salaries, wages and HR enquiries at national and branch level. Willie can be contacted at willie@downsyndrome.ie or (01) 5632450. … Read More

Willie Lewins

Payroll and Human Resources Manager

Our Payroll and Human Resources Manager is Willie Lewins. Willie takes care of all salaries, wages and HR enquiries at national and branch level.

Willie can be contacted at willie@downsyndrome.ie or (01) 5632450.

Justin Keys - Chief Financial Officer

Justin joined Down Syndrome Ireland as Chief Financial Officer and is an experienced accountant who has worked in the not-for-profit sector for 20 years. Justin previously worked with Merchants Quay Ireland, Youth Advocate Programmes Ireland and Fighting Blindness. Justin has strong experience in financial management reporting and forecasting, financial controls, financial systems implementation and liaising with multi-level stakeholders to o deepen engagement, enhance productivity and drive transformation. Justin can be contacted at justin@downsyndrome.ie. … Read More

Justin Keys

Chief Financial Officer

Justin joined Down Syndrome Ireland as Chief Financial Officer and is an experienced accountant who has worked in the not-for-profit sector for 20 years. Justin previously worked with Merchants Quay Ireland, Youth Advocate Programmes Ireland and Fighting Blindness. Justin has strong experience in financial management reporting and forecasting, financial controls, financial systems implementation and liaising with multi-level stakeholders to o deepen engagement, enhance productivity and drive transformation. Justin can be contacted at justin@downsyndrome.ie.

Communications and Lobbying Team

Our Communications and Lobbying Team manages communications with the media, our members, professionals, the general public and the various teams within our organisation both locally and nationally. The team also compiles the Down Syndrome Ireland magazine, e-newsletters and manages the content of our website and social media channels. The team also highlight national issues which impact on people who have Down syndrome and their families in order to influence Government policies.

Cathy Gray - Head of Communications and Public Affairs

Our Head of Communications and Public Affairs is Cathy Gray. Having spent a number of years working as a journalist on both a local and national level, Cathy decided to apply her expertise and knowledge to the charity sector.
Since then, she has worked for a number of charities in marketing and communications roles. With a Masters in Journalism and Public Relations, she is passionate about helping people tell their story and empowering them to have their voices heard.
Cathy joined Down Syndrome Ireland as Head of Communications and Public Affairs in March 2016.
Cathy can be contacted at cathy@downsyndrome.ie or 0860463702. … Read More

Cathy Gray

Head of Communications and Public Affairs

Our Head of Communications and Public Affairs is Cathy Gray. Having spent a number of years working as a journalist on both a local and national level, Cathy decided to apply her expertise and knowledge to the charity sector.
Since then, she has worked for a number of charities in marketing and communications roles. With a Masters in Journalism and Public Relations, she is passionate about helping people tell their story and empowering them to have their voices heard.
Cathy joined Down Syndrome Ireland as Head of Communications and Public Affairs in March 2016.
Cathy can be contacted at cathy@downsyndrome.ie or 0860463702.

David Oglesby - Digital Communications Manager

David Oglesby is our Digital Communications Manager, he brings a number of digital marketing and design skills to the role on the communications team. David has a background in videography, digital/graphic and print design, his career so far has seen him work for a number of non-profit organisations, working on high-profile national digital marketing/information/lobbying campaigns.  David can be contacted  via email: david@downsyndrome.ie  … Read More

David Oglesby

Digital Communications Manager

David Oglesby is our Digital Communications Manager, he brings a number of digital marketing and design skills to the role on the communications team. David has a background in videography, digital/graphic and print design, his career so far has seen him work for a number of non-profit organisations, working on high-profile national digital marketing/information/lobbying campaigns. 

David can be contacted  via email: david@downsyndrome.ie 

Fundraising Team

Down Syndrome Ireland has a very small, but very active fundraising team. 86% of the money needed to run services has to be raised through fundraising. Meet our team:

Mark O’Doherty - Head of Fundraising and Retail

Mark joined Down Syndrome Ireland as Head of Fundraising and Retail in 2016. Having spent twenty years’ working in the private sector with companies specialising in branding, advertising and marketing communications, he decided to apply his experience and skill set to the non profit sector. In 2010, he applied for and won a much coveted place on the Vodafone Foundation’s World of Difference Programme. Since then, he has worked in Fundraising and Communication roles with a number of charities and completed a Masters in Management: Community & Voluntary Services. Mark believes in leading by example and has participated in four Camino walks and two parachute jumps to date for charity. Mark can be contacted at mark@downsyndrome.ie or (01) 563 2463. … Read More

Mark O’Doherty

Head of Fundraising and Retail

Mark joined Down Syndrome Ireland as Head of Fundraising and Retail in 2016. Having spent twenty years’ working in the private sector with companies specialising in branding, advertising and marketing communications, he decided to apply his experience and skill set to the non profit sector. In 2010, he applied for and won a much coveted place on the Vodafone Foundation’s World of Difference Programme. Since then, he has worked in Fundraising and Communication roles with a number of charities and completed a Masters in Management: Community & Voluntary Services. Mark believes in leading by example and has participated in four Camino walks and two parachute jumps to date for charity.

Mark can be contacted at mark@downsyndrome.ie or (01) 563 2463.

Phaedra Vlahos - Corporate and Philanthropy Manager

Phaedra is the newest member of our fundraising team, joining us in July 2021. Her previous role was within Corporate Fundraising in the Dublin Simon Community, working on major campaigns and events across their fundraising department. With a background in Fine Art and a passion for philanthropy, she brings a creative outlook into the world of fundraising and is a welcome addition to the team. You can reach her at Phaedra@downsyndrome.ie or call on 086 102 5847. … Read More

Phaedra Vlahos

Corporate and Philanthropy Manager

Phaedra is the newest member of our fundraising team, joining us in July 2021. Her previous role was within Corporate Fundraising in the Dublin Simon Community, working on major campaigns and events across their fundraising department. With a background in Fine Art and a passion for philanthropy, she brings a creative outlook into the world of fundraising and is a welcome addition to the team. You can reach her at Phaedra@downsyndrome.ie or call on 086 102 5847.

Bernice Condon - Fundraising Manager

Bernice joined us in March 2021, having worked previously in Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin,  looking after their Challenge Fundraisers alongside the community team. With a background in business and fundraising, she brings a wealth of experience to the role. In 2019,  she went back to study and completed the Diploma in Fundraising Management to gain further insights and develop her experience in the industry. You can reach Bernice at Bernice@downsyndrome.ie or on 0864145412. … Read More

Bernice Condon

Fundraising Manager

Bernice joined us in March 2021, having worked previously in Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin,  looking after their Challenge Fundraisers alongside the community team. With a background in business and fundraising, she brings a wealth of experience to the role. In 2019,  she went back to study and completed the Diploma in Fundraising Management to gain further insights and develop her experience in the industry. You can reach Bernice at Bernice@downsyndrome.ie or on 0864145412.

Retail Team

Down Syndrome Ireland has a growing number of Charity Shops which are an integral part of our annual fundraising activity as they provide much needed sustainable income on a regular basis.

Barbara McCarthy - Charity Shop Manager (GPO Arcade)

Barbara joined Down Syndrome Ireland in July 2017.  She brings over 20 years experience working in retail in the charity sector and to our shop in the GPO where she is Manager.  Barbara enjoys working with her dedicated team of volunteers as they work together to develop a strong customer base, all the while promoting the values of Down Syndrome Ireland. She can be contacted at barbara@downsyndrome.ie or 086 0274178. … Read More

Barbara McCarthy

Charity Shop Manager (GPO Arcade)

Barbara joined Down Syndrome Ireland in July 2017. 

She brings over 20 years experience working in retail in the charity sector and to our shop in the GPO where she is Manager. 

Barbara enjoys working with her dedicated team of volunteers as they work together to develop a strong customer base, all the while promoting the values of Down Syndrome Ireland. She can be contacted at barbara@downsyndrome.ie or 086 0274178.

Gerry Moore - Charity Shop Manager (Finglas)

Gerry joined Down Syndrome Ireland in March 2015 as a Charity Shop Sales Assistant, after many years in the Retail and Hospitality sectors. Applying skills learned in both areas helped him attain the Shop Manager’s position, first as part-time, but now as a full-time Manager in our Finglas shop.  Ensuring customers are happy and returning is what keeps Gerry going, whilst hopefully increasing sales and building awareness about Down syndrome with the general public. He can be contacted at gerry@downsyndrome.ie  or on 086 411 2603. … Read More

Gerry Moore

Charity Shop Manager (Finglas)

Gerry joined Down Syndrome Ireland in March 2015 as a Charity Shop Sales Assistant, after many years in the Retail and Hospitality sectors. Applying skills learned in both areas helped him attain the Shop Manager’s position, first as part-time, but now as a full-time Manager in our Finglas shop.  Ensuring customers are happy and returning is what keeps Gerry going, whilst hopefully increasing sales and building awareness about Down syndrome with the general public.

He can be contacted at gerry@downsyndrome.ie  or on 086 411 2603.

Celine King - Charity Shop Manager (Templeogue)

Celine is the shop manager in our Templeogue shop. She joined Down Syndrome Ireland at the end of 2019 after spending a decade working in retail in the UK, for a large charity. Celine's main goals are to ensure that customers are happy and enjoy their shopping experience with us, and to build a good rapport with them. Our cause is very close to Celine's heart as she has a brother with Down syndrome. Through her shop management work, Celine sees the benefit and real difference that can be made to the lives of so many people with Down syndrome and their families. … Read More

Celine King

Charity Shop Manager (Templeogue)

Celine is the shop manager in our Templeogue shop. She joined Down Syndrome Ireland at the end of 2019 after spending a decade working in retail in the UK, for a large charity. Celine's main goals are to ensure that customers are happy and enjoy their shopping experience with us, and to build a good rapport with them. Our cause is very close to Celine's heart as she has a brother with Down syndrome. Through her shop management work, Celine sees the benefit and real difference that can be made to the lives of so many people with Down syndrome and their families.

Operations

George Oliver - Projects Manager

George previously worked in the life and pensions industry where he held a number of roles including Head of Operation and Customer Services.
He is currently working on a number of key projects for DSI including the Champ (DSI member database) system, compliance and insurance review. … Read More

George Oliver

Projects Manager

George previously worked in the life and pensions industry where he held a number of roles including Head of Operation and Customer Services.
He is currently working on a number of key projects for DSI including the Champ (DSI member database) system, compliance and insurance review.

Down Syndrome Ireland receives valuable support to fund two team positions through the Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community & Voluntary Sector (SSNO).