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06 Sept 2025

Down Syndrome Ireland's Leitrim branch celebrates ‘Amazing Alice’

For World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, Leitrim's Down Syndrome Ireland branch will be at The Dock Theatre, where young members will perform with Bright Sparks Youth Theatre.

Down Syndrome Ireland's Leitrim branch celebrates ‘Amazing Alice’

Alice Reynolds and her son Matthew.

Down Syndrome Ireland’s Leitrim branch is gearing up to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on Friday, March 21.

Ahead of the big day, they’re shining a light on one dedicated member, Alice Reynolds, whose advocacy has significantly enriched the lives of individuals with Down syndrome within our community.

Alice has been an incredibly active member of the Leitrim branch since the arrival of her son, Matthew, 10 years ago.  

She is passionate about inclusion and has been the driving force behind many of the most beneficial programmes the branch has run in the past decade. 

Alice has helped set up and run the monthly Friendship Club, numerous Speech and Language programmes, and Lámh training. 

Her initiative, Cycling Matters, has enabled many of the branch members to achieve independent cycling, thanks to her efforts in securing training and specialised equipment. As a result, many of the branch members can now cycle independently.

One thing that Alice always tries to teach people is that Down syndrome should never define who a person is. She insists on person-first language, emphasising the person before disability.  

With Alice as a driving force, the Leitrim branch members will continue to push out the barriers that society puts on people with Down syndrome. 

Down Syndrome Ireland's Leitrim branch is a friendly and active network and support group for children and adults with Down syndrome, their parents, and siblings. 

Serving approximately 40 families across Leitrim and the surrounding areas, the branch offers services and activities including speech and language therapy, occupational and physiotherapy, yoga classes, friendship clubs and maths programmes.  

Join the branch this World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, to celebrate people with Down syndrome all over the world.  

This year, the branch asks you to celebrate with them at The Dock Theatre, where some of their young members are participating in a Bright Sparks Youth Theatre performance. Don’t miss this amazing performance! 

READ MORE: Glens art centre raises vital funds for equipment upgrade

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