Pictures: Pizza party celebrates Down Syndrome Kilkenny's remarkable year

Kindly sponsored by Café 500, the event recognised the extraordinary community support that has enabled the branch to continue expanding its services and supports for children and adults with Down Syndrome across County Kilkenny.

One of the highlights of the year was the hugely successful Saddle Up for Down Syndrome charity cycle, which attracted more than 300 participants from across Ireland to Danesfort GAA Club for a scenic cycle through the Kilkenny countryside. The event inspired many families to organise their own iDonate campaigns and local fundraising initiatives, with many of these efforts receiving generous match funding from the Z Zurich Foundation.

Another major fundraising achievement was the Challenge 21 pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick, where busloads of members and supporters travelled together to complete the climb. The event was a fantastic success and played a significant role in the branch's fundraising efforts while also bringing families and supporters together in a truly memorable way.

Together, these fundraising initiatives have generated more than €150,000, allowing Down Syndrome Kilkenny to continue investing in vital services, including Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and a wide range of activities such as summer camps, swimming lessons and social programmes for members of all ages.

Speaking at the celebration, Chairperson Sean Manicle thanked everyone who has supported the branch throughout the year.

“The level of support we’ve received from the community has been incredible,” he said. “Every person who has taken part in an event, donated, volunteered or supported us in any way has helped make a real difference to local families.

“Owing to that generosity, we're continuing to expand the services we provide, helping children and adults with Down syndrome reach their full potential,” he said. “We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey this year.”

Guests enjoyed an evening of pizza, pasta and refreshments, along with children’s entertainment and the opportunity to celebrate another successful year for the branch.

Down Syndrome Kilkenny is currently expanding its offices and therapy facilities at the HOP Centre in Hebron, Kilkenny to support the rollout of enhanced Speech and Language Therapy services. Plans also include the development of a dedicated soft therapy sensory playroom, providing an engaging and supportive environment for children attending therapy sessions and other branch activities.

The branch welcomes enquiries from families of both children and adults with Down syndrome who would like to learn more about the Speech and Language Therapy services and other supports available. Anyone seeking further information is invited to contact the HOP Office in Hebron, Kilkenny by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to Ciara on 086-8371544.

Down Syndrome Kilkenny is a voluntary branch of Down Syndrome Ireland, made up of parents, families and volunteers working together to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome through advocacy, services, education and community support. The branch is funded through local fundraising events and the generosity of the community.

For more information, visit https://downsyndrome.ie/branches/kilkenny.