Photos: Dylan Vaughan
Family-led group Down Syndrome Kilkenny launched its flagship fundraiser, Saddle Up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny, this week ahead of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st. The charity cycle and family fun day, set at Danesfort GAA Club, returns this year for its third annual fundraising event on Sunday, April 26th 2026.
Kilkenny is a ‘black spot’ for essential services, according to the organisation. The local voluntary group has spent the last number of years raising funds to provide services that many families believe their children should be able to access through the Health Service Executive.
In 2025, the branch raised over €120,000, driven primarily by the efforts of local families, volunteers, and supporters. These funds have enabled the provision of Speech and Language Therapy services for children, with more than €45,000 invested in therapy supports alone, as well as the employment of a part-time administrator to coordinate services, support families and their advocacy, and secure additional grant funding.
The funds raised through Saddle Up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny have also supported Easter and summer camps, one-to-one swimming lessons, social activities, therapeutic pony riding, sports camps, and other inclusive programmes that help children and adults with Down Syndrome participate more fully in community life.
Saddle up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny has launched, with registration now open on Eventbrite. Cyclists can choose from three routes, including a relaxed tour of Kells, Bennettsbridge, Gowran and Thomastown on the 45km trail. Experienced riders can choose the 65km or 105km routes that take them to Paulstown and Leighlinbridge, with a return via Ballygorteen to Danesfort GAA Club. Cyclists can refuel at one of two pit stops along the way at Gowran Race Park, Paulstown GAA and O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club. All cycles return to Danesfort GAA club grounds for hot showers, burgers, ice cream, and a family fun day from midday. Activities include a bouncy castle, live music, street food and more.
Glór – Voices for Life
On World Down Syndrome Day (21.03.2026), the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley and the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins, announced expanded specialist therapeutic services for people with Down syndrome across Ireland. Glór – Voices for Life is a new partnership that will deliver expanded specialist therapeutic services across Ireland, including Early Intervention, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.
Sean Manicle, Chairperson of Down Syndrome Kilkenny, said,
“We warmly welcome the announcement of GLÓR – Voices for Life and the clear recognition at the national level that people with Down syndrome have distinctive developmental and therapeutic needs requiring specialist support throughout life. In Kilkenny, our members and committee have worked hard to highlight serious gaps in local services, and we’re encouraged that this local advocacy has been heard and recognised as part of the broader national movement that has brought this issue to the fore. Our Saddle Up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny fundraiser remains crucial, because it helps us continue providing vital supports locally while we keep advocating for the full range of services our families need.”
This year, we’re hoping to raise over €100,000 once again to support families across Kilkenny. These funds go directly towards vital developmental, therapeutic and social supports, which can make a real and lasting difference, especially when children can access them early and build towards their full potential. With our third Saddle Up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny now just a couple of weeks away, we’re looking forward to another great day for the community. It’s always a wonderful occasion, with plenty of fun and a fantastic atmosphere in Danesfort afterwards, and we’d encourage as many people as possible to come along and get involved.” Manicle concluded.
Down Syndrome Kilkenny is calling on cyclists of all abilities to sign up for the event and help support local families. Tickets are now available for €45 from Eventbrite –
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/saddle-up-for-down-syndrome-kilkenny-2026-tickets-1977416825957
