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. 

CEO

Nichola Aylward - Chief Executive Officer

With a background as an experienced Chartered Accountant and senior management professional, Nichola has worked hard for many years to develop a skill-set that combines strategic leadership, people management skills and financial acumen with a deep passion for social impact. Nichola has a proven track-record of implementing sound fiscal strategies that optimise resources to achieve the maximum impact. Prior to her appointment as CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland, Nichola held key leadership positions, including in the corporate sector. She has leveraged her expertise to drive organisational growth, foster strategic partnerships, and ensure transparency and accountability in financial practices. Beyond her professional achievements, as the proud parent of a daughter with Down syndrome, Nichola has served for many years on her local DSI Branch Committee and, … Read More

Nichola Aylward

Chief Executive Officer

With a background as an experienced Chartered Accountant and senior management professional, Nichola has worked hard for many years to develop a skill-set that combines strategic leadership, people management skills and financial acumen with a deep passion for social impact. Nichola has a proven track-record of implementing sound fiscal strategies that optimise resources to achieve the maximum impact.

Prior to her appointment as CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland, Nichola held key leadership positions, including in the corporate sector. She has leveraged her expertise to drive organisational growth, foster strategic partnerships, and ensure transparency and accountability in financial practices.

Beyond her professional achievements, as the proud parent of a daughter with Down syndrome, Nichola has served for many years on her local DSI Branch Committee and, in recent years, has served as National Treasurer on the Board of Directors of DSI. Nichola is deeply committed to the strategic vision of Down Syndrome Ireland and to working towards equal opportunities for all people with Down syndrome all over Ireland. She believes fervently in the power of collective action to address systemic issues and create a more just and inclusive society.

As the new CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland, Nichola is poised to lead the organisation into a new era of impact and innovation. She will work tirelessly to advance the organisation's mission, empower its members, and strengthen its position as a force for good in Irish society. Nichola is excited to bring her unique perspective and unwavering dedication to Down Syndrome Ireland, as she embarks on this new chapter of her career.

Member Support Team

Nicola Hart - National Research and Support Specialist

Nicola Hart is an experienced, CORU registered Speech and Language Therapist who has worked for more than 25 years with people who have Down syndrome and their families. She has been employed by Down Syndrome Ireland since 2010, initially in the Kildare branch, then in national office. She is now employed as National Research and Support Specialist, but continues to offer general advice, training and support on speech and language issues alongside her other responsibilities. Nicola is committed to promoting evidence-led practice, and works with members and researchers to encourage new research, prioritising research questions which will have the maximum impact on the life of children and adults with Down syndrome and their families. The willingness of members to participate in research, answering questions about … Read More

Nicola Hart

National Research and Support Specialist

Nicola Hart is an experienced, CORU registered Speech and Language Therapist who has worked for more than 25 years with people who have Down syndrome and their families. She has been employed by Down Syndrome Ireland since 2010, initially in the Kildare branch, then in national office. She is now employed as National Research and Support Specialist, but continues to offer general advice, training and support on speech and language issues alongside her other responsibilities.

Nicola is committed to promoting evidence-led practice, and works with members and researchers to encourage new research, prioritising research questions which will have the maximum impact on the life of children and adults with Down syndrome and their families. The willingness of members to participate in research, answering questions about their lives and experiences is something she never takes for granted.

Nicola has an interest in developmental language disorder in Down syndrome, and the link between spoken and written language development, as well as how adults with Down syndrome use written language in everyday life. She works together with colleagues in the Member Support Team to support families, educators and therapists so that they can better understand the challenges and the strengths of students with Down syndrome and can work to maximise learning opportunities across the lifespan.

Nicola is a member of the Lámh Research and Development committee and worked on the concept and content of the award-winning Lámh Time app. She has recently joined the board of directors of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT).

Nicola has a strong commitment to social justice and has recently completed a Postgraduate diploma in Intermediary Studies, to become one of the first cohort of Intermediaries trained to work with people with communication disabilities in the Irish Criminal Justice System.

Nicola is the co-author of a number of publications, the most recent being:

The co-construction of a reading assessment measure with adults with Down syndrome: a meaningful literacy approach, July 2023

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1173300/full

Speech and language therapy services for people with Down syndrome: The disparity between research and practice, June 2022

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jppi.12405

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.

 

Dr 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 … Read More

Dr 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. 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.

She holds a Doctorate in Education (EdD); 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.).
Fidelma can be contacted through our national office on (01) 5632450 and by email at fidelma@downsyndrome.ie.

 

 

Aoife Gaffney - Head of Employment

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 and adolescents with Autism, Down syndrome and 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

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 and adolescents with Autism, Down syndrome and 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.

Joanne Dawson - Employment Officer

Following a Bachelor's 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’s role as employment officer is assisting in the expansion of the employment programme nationally. This involves securing partnerships with employers to establish meaningful employment opportunities for adults with Down syndrome. She works alongside adults with Down syndrome by providing pre-employment training and ongoing support when in employment. She also provides Down syndrome awareness training to employers. Joanne can be contacted … Read More

Joanne Dawson

Employment Officer

Following a Bachelor's 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’s role as employment officer is assisting in the expansion of the employment programme nationally. This involves securing partnerships with employers to establish meaningful employment opportunities for adults with Down syndrome. She works alongside adults with Down syndrome by providing pre-employment training and ongoing support when in employment. She also provides Down syndrome awareness training to employers. Joanne can be contacted at 0861073979 or by email at joanne.d@downsyndrome.ie.

Emma Foran - Employment Officer

Emma Foran is a member of our Employment team, bringing with her a wealth of experience in recruitment and a background in social care studies. Her primary focus is collaborating with our members, their families, and employers to establish conducive environments for individuals with Down syndrome to excel in the workplace. Emma also plays a crucial role in providing training to employers on Down syndrome awareness. Her dedication to this cause is underscored by her work with Down Syndrome Ireland, where she actively pursues her passion for working with adults with additional needs. Emma is fortunate to have a close family member with Down syndrome, so she has a vested interest in the wellbeing of people with Down syndrome.  You can contact Emma for all things … Read More

Emma Foran

Employment Officer

Emma Foran is a member of our Employment team, bringing with her a wealth of experience in recruitment and a background in social care studies. Her primary focus is collaborating with our members, their families, and employers to establish conducive environments for individuals with Down syndrome to excel in the workplace. Emma also plays a crucial role in providing training to employers on Down syndrome awareness. Her dedication to this cause is underscored by her work with Down Syndrome Ireland, where she actively pursues her passion for working with adults with additional needs. Emma is fortunate to have a close family member with Down syndrome, so she has a vested interest in the wellbeing of people with Down syndrome. 

You can contact Emma for all things Employment or Training at emma@downsyndrome.ie 

Olive Buckeridge - Early Years Specialist

Olive Buckeridge is an Early Years Specialist at DSI. Olive is a Coru Registered Speech and Language Therapist and a Member of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT). She is highly experienced in the provision of Speech and Language Therapy, including 1:1 and group-based therapy to individuals with Down syndrome across the life span. Olive has worked for many years as an early years specialist and a senior SLT, providing training and support to branches and centres nationally. Contact: Email  olive@downsyndrome.ie | National office (01) 5632450 | Mobile 086 197 5420   … Read More

Olive Buckeridge

Early Years Specialist

Olive Buckeridge is an Early Years Specialist at DSI. Olive is a Coru Registered Speech and Language Therapist and a Member of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT). She is highly experienced in the provision of Speech and Language Therapy, including 1:1 and group-based therapy to individuals with Down syndrome across the life span. Olive has worked for many years as an early years specialist and a senior SLT, providing training and support to branches and centres nationally.

Contact: Email  olive@downsyndrome.ie | National office (01) 5632450 | Mobile 086 197 5420

 

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

Department of Lifelong Learning

Sinéad Flynn - Further Education and Training Manager

Sinéad supports adult members, their families, branches, teachers and staff in the field of adult education. Her role includes the development of adult education courses for people with Down syndrome. As a way for adult members to enjoy literacy outside the classroom and be part of the community, she works with members and libraries setting up and supporting nationwide book clubs. Sinéad also facilitates the National Advisory Council, enabling adults with Down syndrome to be the voice of people with Down syndrome and to have a say in Down Syndrome Ireland.   Sinéad brings over 25 years' experience working across education in diverse settings to the role. She has worked in primary, post-primary and further education, including Special Education and mainstream, and published successful … Read More

Sinéad Flynn

Further Education and Training Manager

Sinéad supports adult members, their families, branches, teachers and staff in the field of adult education. Her role includes the development of adult education courses for people with Down syndrome. As a way for adult members to enjoy literacy outside the classroom and be part of the community, she works with members and libraries setting up and supporting nationwide book clubs. Sinéad also facilitates the National Advisory Council, enabling adults with Down syndrome to be the voice of people with Down syndrome and to have a say in Down Syndrome Ireland.  

Sinéad brings over 25 years' experience working across education in diverse settings to the role. She has worked in primary, post-primary and further education, including Special Education and mainstream, and published successful teaching and learning material. Since joining Down Syndrome Ireland, Sinéad has written the Down Syndrome Ireland online music course. 

Sinéad is a strong believer in lifelong learning. Since her Social Science Degree, she has completed a wide range of courses, including a Masters in Applied Linguistics and a Post-Grad Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education. She is passionate about education and empowering people with disabilities to reach their full potential. You can reach Sinéad at Sinead@downsyndrome.ie or 086 1035335.

Aisling Brown - Adult Education Officer

Aisling works as an Adult Education Officer at Down Syndrome Ireland. Her role involves supporting our members with lifelong learning and connects with their families and branches nationwide to assist in adult education. She develops courses for people with Down syndrome, and assists in delivering Down syndrome awareness training in education institutions nationally. Aisling brings over fifteen years working in varied educational roles, including primary special education and further education settings. Aisling is passionate about education and supporting others in their pursuit to reach their full potential. You can reach Aisling at aislingbrown@downsyndrome.ie or on 086 1692319 … Read More

Aisling Brown

Adult Education Officer

Aisling works as an Adult Education Officer at Down Syndrome Ireland. Her role involves supporting our members with lifelong learning and connects with their families and branches nationwide to assist in adult education.

She develops courses for people with Down syndrome, and assists in delivering Down syndrome awareness training in education institutions nationally.

Aisling brings over fifteen years working in varied educational roles, including primary special education and further education settings. Aisling is passionate about education and supporting others in their pursuit to reach their full potential.

You can reach Aisling at aislingbrown@downsyndrome.ie or on 086 1692319

Elizabeth Fox - Adult Education Officer

Elizabeth works as an Adult Education Officer at Down Syndrome Ireland. Elizabeth supports our members with lifelong learning and connects with members, families and branches nationwide to assist in navigating the educational journey. With over 15 years working in varied educational roles, and completing a masters in Art Psychotherapy, Elizabeth’s focus has always been on supporting those with additional needs. She is passionate about empowering people with Down syndrome to achieve their full potential. You can reach Elizabeth at elizabethfox@downsyndrome.ie or on 086 1692308 … Read More

Elizabeth Fox

Adult Education Officer

Elizabeth works as an Adult Education Officer at Down Syndrome Ireland. Elizabeth supports our members with lifelong learning and connects with members, families and branches nationwide to assist in navigating the educational journey.

With over 15 years working in varied educational roles, and completing a masters in Art Psychotherapy, Elizabeth’s focus has always been on supporting those with additional needs. She is passionate about empowering people with Down syndrome to achieve their full potential.

You can reach Elizabeth at elizabethfox@downsyndrome.ie or on 086 1692308

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.

Central Support Team

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

Ross O’Neill - Junior Administrator

Ross O’Neill is our Junior Administrator. Ross has been working at DSI for 15 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, 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 … Read More

Ross O’Neill

Junior Administrator

Ross O’Neill is our Junior Administrator.

Ross has been working at DSI for 15 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, 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.

 

 

Finance

Sandra Ryan - Bookkeeper

Sandra is our part-time Bookkeeper/Administrator in Finance providing support to both the National office and our branches. She brings years of experience from her previous roles as an accountant in the private sector. She also works as a substitute special needs assistant in her local schools. She has an amazing nephew, Henry with Down syndrome who inspired her to change her career to support children and adults with intellectual disabilities. You can reach Sandra at sandraryan@downsyndrome.ie … Read More

Sandra Ryan

Bookkeeper

Sandra is our part-time Bookkeeper/Administrator in Finance providing support to both the National office and our branches. She brings years of experience from her previous roles as an accountant in the private sector. She also works as a substitute special needs assistant in her local schools. She has an amazing nephew, Henry with Down syndrome who inspired her to change her career to support children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

You can reach Sandra at sandraryan@downsyndrome.ie

Communications and Advocacy Team

Our Communications and Advocacy 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 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.

Megan Roantree - Communications Manager

Megan Roantree is Communications Manager at Down Syndrome Ireland. Megan’s role includes overseeing the communications of the organisation, managing the website, social media strategy and working with members and branches to promote member stories.

Contact: Email meganroantree@downsyndrome.ie |  Mobile (086) 102 6538. … Read More

Megan Roantree

Communications Manager

Megan Roantree is Communications Manager at Down Syndrome Ireland. Megan’s role includes overseeing the communications of the organisation, managing the website, social media strategy and working with members and branches to promote member stories.

Contact: Email meganroantree@downsyndrome.ie |  Mobile (086) 102 6538.

Edel Bane - Digital Communications Officer

Edel Bane is the Digital Communications Officer at Down Syndrome Ireland. Edel’s role involves assisting with the website, social media channels and working with members to share their stories. Edel’s background is in VFX for film and TV, as well as working in animation and radio.   Contact: Email edel@downsyndrome.ie |  Mobile (086) 201 7523. … Read More

Edel Bane

Digital Communications Officer

Edel Bane is the Digital Communications Officer at Down Syndrome Ireland. Edel’s role involves assisting with the website, social media channels and working with members to share their stories. Edel’s background is in VFX for film and TV, as well as working in animation and radio.  

Contact: Email edel@downsyndrome.ie |  Mobile (086) 201 7523.

Gina Grant - Branch Advocacy Co-Ordinator

Gina is Down Syndrome Ireland's Branch Advocacy Co-Ordinator. Gina's role involves supporting branches around the country with their advocacy queries, signposting branches to relevant information and engaging with stakeholders in various sectors on advocacy-related issues. Contact: Email Ginagrant@downsyndrome.ie | Mobile 086 197 5416  … Read More

Gina Grant

Branch Advocacy Co-Ordinator

Gina is Down Syndrome Ireland's Branch Advocacy Co-Ordinator. Gina's role involves supporting branches around the country with their advocacy queries, signposting branches to relevant information and engaging with stakeholders in various sectors on advocacy-related issues.

Contact: Email Ginagrant@downsyndrome.ie | Mobile 086 197 5416 

Fundraising Team

86% of the money needed to run services has to be raised through fundraising. 

Lauren McCarthy - Fundraising Manager

Lauren is Down Syndrome Irelands Fundraising Manager who joined the team in November 2023. Lauren manages all our national-level campaigns which include Lots of Socks, Ice Cream Fundays and Purple Run. Her focus is on building individual giving within the organisation and improving how we communicate with our wonderful supporters. Lauren has over 12 years’ experience in the charity sector across many areas of fundraising. Email: laurenmccarthy@downsyndrome.ie … Read More

Lauren McCarthy

Fundraising Manager

Lauren is Down Syndrome Irelands Fundraising Manager who joined the team in November 2023. Lauren manages all our national-level campaigns which include Lots of Socks, Ice Cream Fundays and Purple Run. Her focus is on building individual giving within the organisation and improving how we communicate with our wonderful supporters. Lauren has over 12 years’ experience in the charity sector across many areas of fundraising.

Email: laurenmccarthy@downsyndrome.ie

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. Contact: barbara@downsyndrome.ie | 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.

Contact: barbara@downsyndrome.ie | 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. She can be contacted at Celine@downsyndrome.ie or on 086 604 6180. … 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.

She can be contacted at Celine@downsyndrome.ie or on 086 604 6180.

Amanda Molloy - Charity Shop Manager (Clondalkin)

Amanda has worked in retail and sales/merchandising all her working life. She joined Down Syndrome Ireland’s Clondalkin charity shop as a volunteer in 2021, having previously completed a Community Employment programme in the charity field, where she gained lots of valuable experience. Amanda became full-time Shop Manager in our Clondalkin shop in March 2022. She has built up a great working relationship with the shop volunteers, and looking after our wonderful customers is always her top priority. She can be contacted at AmandaM@downsyndrome.ie or on 086 067 5621. … Read More

Amanda Molloy

Charity Shop Manager (Clondalkin)

Amanda has worked in retail and sales/merchandising all her working life. She joined Down Syndrome Ireland’s Clondalkin charity shop as a volunteer in 2021, having previously completed a Community Employment programme in the charity field, where she gained lots of valuable experience. Amanda became full-time Shop Manager in our Clondalkin shop in March 2022. She has built up a great working relationship with the shop volunteers, and looking after our wonderful customers is always her top priority. She can be contacted at AmandaM@downsyndrome.ie or on 086 067 5621.

HR

Lauren Keating - People Transformation Specialist

Lauren is our People Transformation Specialist, overseeing HR functions and our people strategy for team development and growth. With a background and qualifications in hospitality management, HR Management, Occupational Psychology, and Organisational Behaviour, she excels in growing teams and implementing people-centered practices. Before joining Down Syndrome Ireland in 2023, Lauren advanced to senior HR roles in the Irish hospitality sector and later worked in HR tech as a Team Development Manager. She is always eager to connect with passionate individuals. Check out our careers page or reach out to her directly for future opportunities. Email: laurenkeating@downsyndrome.ie … Read More

Lauren Keating

People Transformation Specialist

Lauren is our People Transformation Specialist, overseeing HR functions and our people strategy for team development and growth. With a background and qualifications in hospitality management, HR Management, Occupational Psychology, and Organisational Behaviour, she excels in growing teams and implementing people-centered practices.

Before joining Down Syndrome Ireland in 2023, Lauren advanced to senior HR roles in the Irish hospitality sector and later worked in HR tech as a Team Development Manager. She is always eager to connect with passionate individuals. Check out our careers page or reach out to her directly for future opportunities.

Email: laurenkeating@downsyndrome.ie

Shona McAuley - HR Administrator

Shona works with the branches, staff and all those employed by Down Syndrome Ireland. She helps with onboarding and staff training.  To contact Shona, email shonamcauley@downsyndrome.ie. … Read More

Shona McAuley

HR Administrator

Shona works with the branches, staff and all those employed by Down Syndrome Ireland. She helps with onboarding and staff training. 

To contact Shona, email shonamcauley@downsyndrome.ie.

Operations

Claire Wright - Senior Compliance Officer

Claire Wright was appointed as Senior Compliance Officer of Down Syndrome Ireland in November 2021 working in our national office. She enables DSI to  define clear operational frameworks to ensure high levels of governance. She will also provide support and guidelines to follow, so the organisation works in a safe and productive environment. 

Claire has over 20 years’ experience as a solicitor and a partner in a number of law firms. She completed a professional coaching qualification in 2021 and is  an active member of Toastmasters International – a public speaking and leadership organisation. You can contact her via email at clairewright@downsyndrome.ie. … Read More

Claire Wright

Senior Compliance Officer

Claire Wright was appointed as Senior Compliance Officer of Down Syndrome Ireland in November 2021 working in our national office. She enables DSI to  define clear operational frameworks to ensure high levels of governance. She will also provide support and guidelines to follow, so the organisation works in a safe and productive environment. 

Claire has over 20 years’ experience as a solicitor and a partner in a number of law firms. She completed a professional coaching qualification in 2021 and is  an active member of Toastmasters International – a public speaking and leadership organisation. You can contact her via email at clairewright@downsyndrome.ie.

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

 

This project was approved by Government with support from the Dormant Accounts Fund.