World Down Syndrome Day celebrated with launch of new Swords therapy centre

Padraig Conlon 30 Mar 2023

Triona Cussen. Gina Daly and her one-year-old son Gene, Mayor Howard Mahony, Tara Gaw, Anna Kilmartin (11), Nessa Cody (13) and Sorcha Maguire (11). All pics by Paul Reardon.

WORLD Down Syndrome Day was celebrated this year with the official launch of the second full-time Down Syndrome therapy centre for children in Dublin.

On Tuesday March 21, the brand-new Down Syndrome Centre, which recently opened in Swords, was officially launched when The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony, cut the ribbon at 2pm on the global day of celebration.

The new full-time Swords centre, which is located in Willowbrook House, Balheary Road, gives access to a complete range of therapy to north Dublin for the first time.

Shay Bannister (5) with his parents Andrew and Emer and siblings Aisling, Euan and Fionn. Also pictured is Daniel Ryder (10).

The new centre comes after the launch of the Sandyford centre in March 2022, with services being provided for over 320 children with Down Syndrome from Dublin and surrounding counties.

Karol Daly with his son Gene (1)

The Down Syndrome Centre Willowbrook House (DSC) provides a bespoke services-led centre for children with Down syndrome and their families

Centres receive no government funding and solely depend on fundraising events and the generosity of the public, donors, grants and partnerships.

Helen McNamara, President of Fingal Chamber with Triona Cussen, Manager of Swords Down Syndrome Centre.

Centre Manager Triona Cussen told Northside People: “We provide essential services, information, support and a place to network for families and carers of people with Down syndrome

“Our core ethos embraces Positivity and to create a brighter future where children with Down syndrome are able to reach their full potential and live as independent and fulfilling lives as possible.

“Our Centre also provides a space for parents to meet, build strong relationships and create a support network that will Continue throughout their child’s life.

“We have designed our centre so that children as young as three months old, can come through our doors and enjoy a natural progression through classes and therapies throughout their childhood.

“We are also proud today to showcase our brand-new bike track out our back garden, this safe space will allow the children to learn how to ride a bike.

“This amazing space was made possible by the community fund at Dublin Airport and Fingal Chamber of Commerce Awards night.”