Down Syndrome Ireland launches its 40th Anniversary Celebrations at a special event with Patron, President Mary McAleese

Down Syndrome Ireland launched its 40th Anniversary Celebrations at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on Saturday 5th March with a special visit from Patron President Mary McAleese.

The event took place in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, attended by 200 members representing DSI's 25 branches and various committees.  President Mary McAleese gave a heartfelt speech on the legacy of Down Syndrome Ireland and all that had been achieved in the last 40 years, before greeting and chatting with many of the members present.  The highlight for many of the day was the inspirational presentation by DSI's National Advisory committee who spoke about their work as a committee, what it means to have Down syndrome and their hopes for the future.

See event pictures

Down Syndrome Ireland will continue our celebrations throughout the year, the next event being the Annual Helping Hands Awards which will take place on Saturday 26th March