The condition affects approximately one baby out of every 444 births here in Ireland. It is currently estimated that there are about 9,000 people in Ireland with Down syndrome
“I only got involved recently enough, I took over as treasurer last September. I had retired from work about two years ago, so I had a bit more free time on my hands, and a friend of mine, Pat Carberry, who is the chairman, asked me would I be interested,” said Dublin native Colm Ó Feinneadha.
The Wexford branch of Down Syndrome Ireland was first established in 1978, and is one of about 25 branches under Down Syndrome Ireland. They have roughly 100 members across the county.
“We’re totally dependent on fundraising and donations, like most charities. The branch provides support services to members, particularly helping to fund access to therapies like speech and language therapy and occupational therapy, which are two of the main ones.
“There are also therapeutic activities like swimming and horse riding, and while families often have to organise these privately themselves, the branch can help by co-funding or reimbursing some of the costs involved.”
Since joining the committee, something which has become apparent to Colm is the importance of community, given families are spread across the county.
“Events like these, gives parents the chance to meet other parents who are going through the same experiences, and it’s equally important for people with Down Syndrome themselves to meet others, so they don’t feel isolated or like they’re the only ones.
“It’s about sharing experiences and supporting each other, because it can be difficult for parents. There are challenges there that other families might not fully understand.”
The Gannon family enjoying the Down Syndrome Easter Egg Hunt in the Irish National Heritage Park on Sunday, pictured with the Easter Bunny. Photo: Jim Campbell
Following on from a successful quiz in the Sycamore House, organised by Mary Roche and Con Fleming which raised an impressive €2,085, Down Syndrome Wexford brought families together in Johnstown Castle on March 21 to mark World Down Syndrome Day.
“It was a simple gathering, members and families met up in the café for tea and coffee, and then some went for a walk around the grounds,” he said. “And it was very relaxed, just a chance for people to come together socially.”
The group’s Easter egg hunt is something that’s held every year at the Heritage Park. It’s another opportunity for families to come together.
“There were about 25 members there, and then you’d have family members as well, siblings, parents, so the numbers build from that. They usually organise a little treasure hunt or quiz around the grounds.”
Colm says one of the biggest issues at the moment is the lack of speech and language therapists.
“There are private options available, but families have to pay for them themselves, which can be difficult. And early intervention is so important, especially for young children.
“If a child doesn’t get that support early on, it becomes much harder later. So it’s a big challenge, and it’s something that really needs to improve.”
Down syndrome affects approximately one baby out of every 444 births here in Ireland. It is currently estimated that there are about 9,000 people in Ireland with Down syndrome.