Kiltale man at the helm of Down Syndrome Ireland ahead of 50th anniversary

The Chief Executive Officer of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) Barry Sheridan, says there are plenty of challenges facing the charity as it goes about helping members "follow their passions and reach their goals."

Last Sunday was World Down Syndrome Day, a very significant occasion for those involved with DSI including Sheridan who has taken the reins of the well-known charity which this year marks it's 50th anniversary.

As part of the celebrations on Sunday over 2,000 people took part in DSI's Purple Run which normally takes place in the Phoenix Park annually but which this year had to be held virtually.

"It's the one day in the calendar when we get an opportunity to raise awareness of Down Syndrome and it's not just an Irish event, it's an international event," he said outlining the importance of the World Day.

Sheridan, who is from Kiltale but now lives in Dunderry, formerly headed the Men's Sheds organisation for six years but he now turns his attention to guiding DSI through the Covid-19 crisis which is just one of the many challenges facing the charity.

"There are numerous issues across the board but the big ones are employment, education, support and services for the early years. Obviously Covid-19 is also a big challenge now and trying to come out of that," added Sheridan who helped Meath to an All-Ireland MFC triumph in 1992.

"Covid has been a big challenge because of the lack of access to services. Remote learning, for instance, it works for some of our members with Downs Syndrome but not for all. That has been really difficult both for individuals affected and their families," he says.

"It's quite complex in that there are no two families exactly the same, it depends on what life stage people they are at. So there are a lot of challenges but there are really positive things going on as well. There's a lot of work going on to try and support people as much as possible.'

One of the recent triumphs of DSI was managing to have members from 16 to 69 upgraded from level seven to level four so they will get vaccinated sooner against Covid as the risks to people with Down Syndrome "are more considerable."

DSI has in the region of 3,500 families around the country. It incorporates 25 branches with the Louth/Meath branch one of the biggest in the country.

Sheridan found the opportunity to head up DSI, as simply too good to let pass. His experience with Men's Sheds, he says, has given him a deep insight into leading a charity like DSI.

"For the charity sector you have to have passion for the work and a real understanding of the charitable sector which isn't the same as the commercial sector. You have to have a high level of governance experience in terms of how to run a charity. I think that's what I would have gained with guiding the Men's Sheds. You have to have a vision also and a clear idea of how to solve the problems you are trying to deal with."

Sheridan is hoping that DSI's 50th anniversary will help to raise awareness of what the charity is seeking to do and help in areas such as raising funds. "We are only funded by the Government to around 14 per cent of what we need so there is huge emphasis on fundraising," he adds.

"Over the last 50 years Down Syndrome Ireland has achieved an awful lot but there is an awful lot more we can do. We want to celebrate the anniversary this year and that in itself will be an opportunity to raise awareness across the board and celebrate our journey over the last 50 years," he added.