‘It’s crucial to sustaining these essential services’ – Down Syndrome Kerry Branch

NATIONALLY, the Down Syndrome organisation is in existence for over 40 years but as with all aspects of life requiring a more hands on approach, they invariably need strong roots at local level. Three decades ago a group of people in Kerry got together to set up a support group for people with Down Syndrome and they remain one of The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle’s key beneficiaries.

In 2007 – largely due to a lack of State amenities and difficulties in accessing them – the Kerry Branch went about establishing a speech and language service given how important it is that children gain significant intervention early in life, which is the optimum time for children to avail of occupational therapy which enhances their prospects of a better outcome.

The late Mary Frances Edwards was invited to help develop a speech and language programme with the Kerry Branch and a philosophy soon evolved whereby services would not be based centrally in a place like Tralee, but rather countywide; Ms Edwards travelled throughout Kerry delivering services.

Risteard Pierse is the Chairperson of Down Syndrome Ireland’s Kerry Branch and he stressed the importance the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle in assisting them.

“We were very fortunate the Ring of Kerry Cycle selected us as one of their participating charities soon after we set up over a decade ago. This has enabled us to evolve additional activities for our members as they get older. In fact, any suggestions families come to us with we would get involved in funding. The amount of funding varies, but we aim to at least contribute to half the cost. For example, such activities could include cycling, horse riding, and Yoga,” said Risteard.

Thanks to the Ring of Kerry Cycle’s contribution, the Kerry Branch are able to provide more significant courses for older members in IT skills. This is called a ‘Latch-On Project’ kindly hosted by Tralee IT, while the OPW’s re-opening of Deenagh Lodge in Killarney National Park also allows the Kerry Branch to operate a restaurant in which young adults do part-time work and training in matters relating to restaurant work.

“There are a number of parents, including Denis Cronin from Killarney and Sheila Power from Abbeyfeale, doing the cycle. The Ring of Kerry Cycle has been crucial to sustaining the development of these essential services which have enabled the optimum development for our younger members and give meaning and purpose to the lives of our adult members,” concluded Risteard.

Members of Down Syndrome Kerry - Cathal Doyle , Jennifer O’Shea, Mary Meade, Mary Ellen Costello, Laura Moran and seated on floor Janina Schroder.