Tag Archives: Down Syndrome Ireland

News

Tour De Munster To Visit Kerry Again This August

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Tour de Munster founder, Paul Sheridan, Cycling legend Sean Kelly, and CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland Barry Sheridan, pictured with Hugh, Enda and Jill O’Brien from Kerry at the official launch of the 22nd annual Tour de Munster, in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) Munster branches.  Photo: Diane Cusack

MEMBERS of the Down Syndrome Ireland Kerry Branch joined cycling legend Seán Kelly at DSI Cork’s Field of Dreams on Sunday, for the launch of the 22nd annual edition of the Tour de Munster charity cycle.

The popular Tour which takes place from August 4th to August 7th will see amateur cyclists travel 600km across the six counties of Munster in efforts to raise vital funds for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).

The launch saw details of this year’s Tour unveiled as cyclists taking part prepare for the four day trek through the towns and villages of Munster.

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Speaking at the launch, Enda O’Brien of Down Syndrome Kerry said; “It won’t be long before the pedals are turning and we are really looking forward to welcoming Tour de Munster to Kerry once again this August. We are so grateful for the continued support our branch has received over the past 12 years from Tour de Munster. Thank you to everyone involved in this year’s tour and best of luck to the cyclists as they prepare for the starting line.”

Since 2001, Tour de Munster has raised over €3.9 million for its beneficiaries, with over €3.5 million for DSI alone since it became the main beneficiary of the tour in 2010.

Last year was certainly a year to remember for Tour de Munster, as it raised its largest sum to date for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland – a staggering €522,201.

Tour de Munster was established in 2001 by Paul Sheridan, and has had a life changing impact on the lives of countless people through its fundraising efforts. Speaking at the launch Paul said, “I am delighted to see such a great turnout at today’s official launch of the 22nd Tour de Munster. What a 22 years it has been, each year we are blown away by the continued support from our cyclists, sponsors, the public and of course, the wonderful members and families of Down Syndrome Ireland.”

Seán Kelly, who this August will celebrate his 17th year supporting the charity cycle is delighted to celebrate DSI’s 13th year as the main beneficiary of the tour. Speaking at the launch, Seán said, “I am very proud to once again take to the road with Tour de Munster, supporting the fantastic work carried out by the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland. Over the past 17 years, I have met so many wonderful children and adults with Down syndrome and I can see just how important the services and facilities mean to both them and their families.”

The 2022 tour de Munster will kick off from Cork City on Thursday, August 4th and continues over four days around the six counties of Munster before returning to Cork City on August 7th.

News

Public Encouraged To ‘Dance 4 DSI’ Next Sunday

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NEXT Sunday Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is inviting households, neighbours and communities to join them for Ireland’s biggest street dance and Dance4DSI to help raise vital funds to continue and improve upon their growing online services to support children and adults with Down syndrome and their families throughout Ireland.

The COVID-19 crisis has adversely affected all face to face services provided by DSI and as a result, the way in which these services are provided has had to change dramatically.

Dance4DSI will take place at 3pm on June 21. The number 21 also carries a special meaning as Down syndrome occurs when there is one extra copy of chromosome 21 in cells in the body.

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DSI are encouraging everyone to get involved by donating what they can through www.downsyndrome.ie. Then share photos or video on social media of their family and neighbours dancing in the street to their favourite summer song, using the hashtag #Dance4DSI.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of DSI’s regular fundraising activities have been unable to go ahead and funds are urgently needed in order to provide vital online support services in areas including speech and language and early development.

When COVID-19 hit, DSI had to adapt quickly to ensure that their members receive the vital support they need. Olive Buckeridge, Early Years Specialist with Down Syndrome Ireland has now been providing essential services through Zoom to families across the country.

Deirdre Saul, Interim CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland is urging the public to come together while still respecting and adhering to social distancing guidelines. “We are extremely grateful for the fantastic support we have received from the public in recent months and that support really does make a difference to the lives of so many children and adults with Down syndrome, and of course their families, in Ireland. I hope as many people, neighbours and communities as possible can join us for Dance4DSI on Sunday 21st June and we’re looking forward to seeing lots of videos and photos shared across social media.”

Deirdre stressed, “We urge everyone to remember social distancing at all times but ultimately this is about having some fun in your community.”

For further information about Dance4DSI and the work of Down Syndrome Ireland please visit downsyndrome.ie and view the clip below…

News

Bikers Take In Tralee Stop On Fundraising Ride

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Donal English, Oola, County Limerick pictured on Sunday morning before he headed off on the ‘RevUp4DSI’ / Down Syndrome Ireland 3 Day Mystery BikeTour around Ireland. Photo: Don MacMonagle

OVER 140 motorcyclists hit the open road this bank holiday weekend for the ‘RevUp4DSI’ fundraising event in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland and were in Tralee this morning.

Motorcyclists from all over Ireland donned their leathers to explore the mysteries of Ireland’s countryside, all while fundraising for the charity which supports thousands of people with Down syndrome and their families across Ireland.

This hugely exciting motorcycle event offered some of the best scenic views in Ireland and those taking part got the chance to really appreciate them.

The three-day mystery tour, which kicked off in Joe Duffy BMW in Finglas, Dublin on Saturday morning,  incorporates three stages taking in over 1,000 km of stunning Irish landscape.

The route was unveiled to the motorcyclists for the first time on Saturday morning as they headed off to Tralee via Inistioge and Lismore Castle.

Today’s (Sunday) route, the participants head off on a tour of Kerry taking in the beautiful surroundings of Kenmare and Kinsale with a brief stop at Killarney along the way.

Motorbikers ride past the scenic Blennerville Windmill on Sunday morning as they head off on the ‘RevUp4DSI’ / Down Syndrome 3 Day Mystery BikeTour all around Ireland. Photo: Don MacMonagle
Bikers from all over Ireland pictured on Sunday morning outside The Rose Hotel before they head off on the ‘RevUp4DSI’ / Down Syndrome Ireland 3 Day Mystery BikeTour around Ireland.  Photo: Don MacMonagle
News

Cycling Legend Sean Kelly To Lead Tour de Munster Into Tralee

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Sean Kelly and Paul Sheridan Tour de Munster with Brian Sheehan Glenbeigh, Rachel Fitzgerald Ardfert and Kevin Donovan, Killorglin and Kerry Branch of DSI pictured at the official launch of the 16th Annual Tour de Munster cycle in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) hosted, by kind invitation of Lord and Lady Burlington, at Lismore Castle Gardens, Co. Waterford on Monday, 20th June. Photo by Gerard McCarthy
Sean Kelly and Paul Sheridan Tour de Munster with Brian Sheehan, Glenbeigh, Rachel Fitzgerald Ardfert and Kevin Donovan, Killorglin of Kerry Branch of DSI pictured at the official launch of the 16th Annual Tour de Munster cycle in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) hosted, by Lord and Lady Burlington, at Lismore Castle Gardens, Co. Waterford on Monday, 20th June. Photo by Gerard McCarthy

THE legendary cyclist, Sean Kelly, will once again take part in the Tour de Munster Charity Cycle in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland which arrives in Tralee this August.

The launch of the 16th annual cycle took place at Lismore Castle Gardens and Kerry was well represented at the event on Monday.

The four day charity cycle takes place from Thursday, August 4 to Sunday, August 7, and will see over 100 amateur cyclists cycle over 600km around the six counties of Munster, raising funds for the Munster branches of DSI.

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Stage 2 of the cycle enters Kerry on Friday, August 5 through Tarbert, Listowel and finishing in Tralee where cyclists will overnight. Stage 3 on Saturday sees the group  heading out the Conor Pass, Dingle, Annascaul, Castlemaine, Milltown, Killarney and finishing Stage 3 in Kenmare. They leave the lovely south Kerry town on Sunday morning for a finish in Cork city later that day.

This is the 7th successive year that the national charity has been the beneficiary of the popular cycle, and the official launch event was attended by over 220 invited guests, including members from the various Munster branches of DSI and families supported by the charity, Tour sponsors and many of the cyclists taking part this year.

The 2015 cycle raised €260,000 for the charity, bringing the total raised for the Munster Branches of DSI to €1.6 million.

Funds raised have made a tremendous difference to the lives of people with Down Syndrome in Munster, as well as their friends and families by providing vital services and facilities in each county. The goal of DSI is to enable children born with Down Syndrome to be as independent as possible, and through the great work of the Tour de Munster cyclists and supporters, DSI can access the funding needed to help more young people with Down Syndrome develop and flourish in practical ways.

For route information and the latest news log onto www.tourdemunster.com, find it on Facebook, or follow the Tour on twitter @tourdemunster.

News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Down Syndrome Ireland Students Graduate At IT Tralee

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At the Down Syndrome Kerry - MOTE/Latch On Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony were, from left: Moire and Mark Bulger. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the Down Syndrome Kerry – MOTE/Latch On Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony were, from left: Moira and Mark Bolger. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

IT WAS a very important day for 16 students of the Down Syndrome Kerry – MOTE/Latch On postgraduate course who graduated on Friday at the IT Tralee.

There were smiles aplenty also from family members and tutors who gave their time and worked with the students over the course of the year.

“They realise they can learn and they do have an opinion,” said Peggy O’Shea of Down Syndrome Ireland.  “They can now go on to search for other courses in other institutes of learning,” she said.

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There were two courses that took place; ‘Latch On’ was a literary course, the second year of the course in the North Campus.

‘My Opinion My Vote’ was the second course the students took part in and it centred around politics and political issues. The courses took place over two years with students attending twice a week.

Trips to the European Union in Brussels and to the Dail in Dublin were the real highlight of the course. It sparked a real interest in politics and voting for those who took part.

Kerry star, Kieran Donaghy of PST Sport, was a special guest at the ceremony and met with graduates to wish them well. Scroll down for photos…

Graduating the Down Syndrome Kerry - MOTE/Latch On Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony were, front from left were: Michael Hussey, Angela Kelliher, Haley Ferguson, Sinead Joy, Mark Bulger and Denise Mahony. Back: Cathal Doyle, Donagh O'Sullivan, Martina McCarthy, Colin Griffin, Alan Murray, Brendan O'Sullivan, Cathal Griffin, Philip Fitzmaurice, Martina McCarthy and Claire Spillane. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Graduating from the Down Syndrome Kerry – MOTE/Latch On Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony were, front from left were: Michael Hussey, Angela Kelliher, Hayley Ferguson, Sinead Joy, Mark Bolger and Denise Mahony. Back: Cathal Doyle, Donagh O’Sullivan, Martina McCarthy, Colin Griffin, Alan Murray, Brendan O’Sullivan, Cathal Griffin, Philip Fitzmaurice, Martina McCarthy and Claire Spillane. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
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At the Down Syndrome Kerry - MOTE/Latch On Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony were, from left: Kitty Kelly, Tom Joy, Sinead Joy and Madeline Collins. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the Down Syndrome Kerry – MOTE/Latch On Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony were, from left: Kitty Kelly, Tom Joy, Sinead Joy and Madeline Collins. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the Down Syndrome Kerry - MOTE/Latch On Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony were, from left: Mary, Michael, Martina, Sheila, Paul and Anne Marie McCarthy. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the Down Syndrome Kerry – MOTE/Latch On Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony were, from left: Mary, Michael, Martina, Sheila, Paul and Anne Marie McCarthy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
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At the Down Syndrome Kerry - MOTE/Latch On Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony were, from left: Mary Kate McGuire, Michael Hussey, Sinead Joy and Clíodhna Hussey. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the Down Syndrome Kerry – MOTE/Latch On Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony were, from left: Mary Kate McGuire, Michael Hussey, Sinead Joy and Clíodhna Hussey. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
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At the Down Syndrome Kerry - MOTE/Latch On Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony were, from left: Kevin Griffin, Cathal Griffin and Kieran Donaghy. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the Down Syndrome Kerry – MOTE/Latch On Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony were, from left: Kevin Griffin, Cathal Griffin and Kieran Donaghy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
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At the Down Syndrome Kerry - MOTE/Latch On Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony were, from left: Peggy O'Shea, Rachel Fitzgerald, Sinead Egan, Michelle Burke, Grainne De Paor, Gerard O'Carroll, Patricia Griffin and Oliver Murphy. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the Down Syndrome Kerry – MOTE/Latch On Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony were, from left: Peggy O’Shea, Rachel Fitzgerald, Sinead Egan, Michelle Burke, Grainne De Paor, Gerard O’Carroll, Patricia Griffin and Oliver Murphy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Charity, Entertainment, News

Call For Kerry People To Host Ice Cream Parties In Aid Of Down Syndrome

 

free pic no repro fee Michael Flatley was on hand to support this year’s HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays Campaign in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland. He was joined by 4 year old Grace Prendergast, Youghal, Cork and 5 year old Ava Ann Barry, Fermoy, Cork. The HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays Campaign is to encourage people across Ireland to organise their own ice cream party this summer to raise much needed funds for DSI. To get involved simply lo-call 1890 37 37 37 or register online at www.downsyndrome.ie to receive your party pack, which includes vouchers for free HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream. pictures Gerard McCarthy 087 8537228 more info contact Aoibhinn Twomey Fuzion Communications 021 4271234 086 4133031
Michael Flatley was on hand to support this year’s HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays Campaign in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland. He was joined by 4 year old Grace Prendergast, Youghal, Cork and 5 year old Ava Ann Barry, Fermoy, Cork.

THE people of Kerry have been called upon to hold their own ice cream parties with the aim of raising much needed funds for ‘Down Syndrome Ireland’ (DSI).

Michael Flatley was on hand recently to support the launch of the new ‘Fundays Campaign’ that is being organised by HB Hazelbrook Farm where they want people all over the county to organise a party in their locality.

This is the 13th year that the ice cream company has supported the campaign, helping to raise more than €3 million for DSI over that period.

Last year, 1,020 parties across Ireland saw 142,442 people participate in the campaign and enjoy free HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream. The campaign is a vital source of funding for the development of Down Syndrome Ireland’s nationwide support services to their members, families and organisations, which are in huge demand and under resourced.

The money raised will go towards helping to fund core services in the areas of Early Development, Education, Health, Speech and Language Therapy and Independence to members of DSI and the professional community connected by Down Syndrome.

Anyone looking to get involved can simply freephone 1890 37 37 37 or register online the DSI website here. You will receive your party pack, which also includes vouchers for free HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream.

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

PHOTOS: Family Fun At Ballyseedy For A Great Cause

 

Ava Jane and Ted Fitzgerald with Colm 'Gooch' Cooper at the Ballyseedy BBQ Fun Weekend event on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ava Jane and Ted Fitzgerald, Tralee, with Colm ‘Gooch’ Cooper at The Tour de Munster Partnership Spin and Family Fun Day 2015 on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean

KERRY stars Colm Cooper and Kieran O’Leary lent a hand to a great cause on Saturday when they appeared at an event in the Ballyseedy Garden Centre.

‘The Tour de Munster Partnership Spin and Family Fun Day 2015′ is taking place throughout the weekend to raise funds for the Down Syndrome Ireland, Kerry Branch, so if you’re around on Sunday the event continues this afternoon with more great family fun.

There was a BBQ, bouncy castle, carousel, ‘Mad Hatters Tea Party’ and children activities, plus the Mounthawk Choir who sang during the afternoon, while the Kerry GAA stars posed for photos with young and old alike.

Tommy and Siobhan Brosnan with children Leah and Katie at the Ballyseedy BBQ Fun Weekend event on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Tommy and Siobhan Brosnan with children Leah and Katie at The Tour de Munster Partnership Spin and Family Fun Day 2015 on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Funds collected will go towards, occupational therapy, speech therapy and all the projects the group put on around the county which greatly enrich the lives of their members.

The event is also taking place to raise promote Down Syndrome Ireland’s annual charity cycle ‘The Tour de Munster’ which takes place in August covering all six counties of Munster and over 600 km of road.

Bernie Cronin, Danny and Sheila Brosnan at the Ballyseedy BBQ Fun Weekend event on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Bernie Cronin, Danny and Sheila Brosnan at The Tour de Munster Partnership Spin and Family Fun Day 2015 on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
GAA, News

Rockie Stars Help Launch Down Syndrome Kerry Family Fun Weekend

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At the launch of the Down Syndrome Ireland Fun Day in Ballyseedy Garden Centre were, front row from left: Ronan and Ronan Radican. Back: Kieran Donaghy, Bernie Falvey, Emily and Sean Keohane, Mikey Collins, Wayne Guthrie and Darragh Long. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

BALLYSEEDY Garden Centre is getting ready for a weekend of fun in April all in aid of the Down Syndrome Ireland Kerry Branch.

Munster club champions, Austin Stacks, are laying their weight behind Down Syndrome Ireland and the vital services they provide for the members all without any state funding.

‘The Tour de Munster Partnership Spin and Family Fun Day 2015’ will take place next month, on the weekend of Saturday/Sunday, April 18-19 at Ballyseedy Garden Centre.

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“It costs a lot of money to run an organisation. Basically any money we get will go towards our over 200 members and providing the services they need across the county,” said Ronan Redican of Down Syndrome Ireland, Kerry Branch.

The majority of events will happen on the Saturday, such as  a pig on a the spit, BBQ, bouncy castle, carousel, ‘Mad Hatters Tea Party’ and children activities, plus the Mounthawk Choir and Radio Kerry who will be there from 12-2pm.

Special guests on the Saturday will be members of Kerry’s All-Ireland winning team.

Funds collected will go towards, occupational therapy, speech therapy and all the projects the group put on around the county which greatly enrich the lives of their members.

The event is also taking place to raise promote Down Syndrome Ireland’s annual charity cycle ‘The Tour de Munster’ which takes place in August covering all six counties of Munster and over 600 km of road.

The first long spin of the offical ‘TdeM 15’ training season takes place on the Saturday, rolling out from Ballyseedy Garden Centre at 10am.

News

Exhibition Of Images From New Book Brightens Up Manor West

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Natalie Van Hattem with Amber and Jade Donovan at the Kerry launch of 'Here I Am' on Saturday in the Manor West Retail Park. Photo by Dermot Crean
Natalie Van Hattem with Amber and Jade Donovan at the Kerry launch of ‘Here I Am’ on Saturday in the Manor West Retail Park. Photo by Dermot Crean

SATURDAY was a suitable day for the Kerry launch of a new book containing 90 photos of children with Down Syndrome.

March 21 was World Down Syndrome Day and there was a great turnout at the Manor West Retail Park for the event, where some of the photos from ‘Here I Am’ were mounted for exhibit in the main foyer.

There were stands set up to sell the book with Kerry Garda Chief Superintendent, Pat O’Sullivan, also present to help launch it.

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Ronan Redican, Chairman of Down Syndrome Kerry spoke to TraleeToday.ie about the book.

“The book has been three years in the making. Photographer, Dan Murphy got the idea after seeing something similar in Holland. He brought the idea to Down Syndrome Ireland and we were delighted to get involved,” said Ronan.

“We have some of the photos on display here and the idea is that it will travel around to schools, hospitals, libraries etc. The idea of the ‘I Am’ in the title is very important. It’s ‘I am a child’, ‘I am a brother’, ‘I am a sister’, ‘I am full of life’. When some people pass a child with Down Syndrome they are curious and they stare. That can make parents or siblings of the child upset.

Barra, Eve and Clodagh Culloty with Aine Lambe at the Kerry launch of 'Here I Am' on Saturday in the Manor West Retail Park. Photo by Dermot Crean
Barra, Eve and Clodagh Culloty with Aine Lambe at the Kerry launch of ‘Here I Am’ on Saturday in the Manor West Retail Park. Photo by Dermot Crean

“But here today we are asking people to stare. Take a good look at the pictures and see that  they are no different from anyone else. We want to create a public awareness of that and to celebrate people with Down Syndrome,” said Ronan.

Some of the families of children from Kerry were also present for the launch. The Kerry children featured in the book are Grainne Trant from Listowel, Amy O’Connor, Castleisland, Jessica Treyvaud, Killarney, Peppy Fitzgerald, Ardfert, Katie Lyons, Castleisland, Sophie Twiss, Milltown and Amber Donovan, Killorglin.

The book is on sale now in Easons and selected bookstores.

Sergeant Eileen O'Sullivan, Miriam Lyons, Natalie Vanhattem and Chief Superintendent Pat O'Sullivan at the Kerry launch of 'Here I Am' on Saturday in the Manor West Retail Park. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sergeant Eileen O’Sullivan, Miriam Lyons, Natalie Vanhattem and Chief Superintendent Pat O’Sullivan at the Kerry launch of ‘Here I Am’ on Saturday in the Manor West Retail Park. Photo by Dermot Crean

 

“