Down Syndrome Ireland “Laois Branch” News

Down Syndrome Ireland “Laois Branch” held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday evening at 8pm in our Family Centre, Gort Na Noir, Abbeyleix.  It was a very well attended meeting with good constructive interactions throughout.

The Branch reviewed what was a very successful year in 2016.  Therapies, Services and Supports are increasing, with a new Service Provider “Sensational Kids” installed to increase the level of good quality supports and services for all our members across the life span.

Mick Gorman did not go forward for Chair on this occasion, preferring to nominate Margaret Miron for election to this role going forward.  Ray Harte thanked and commended Mick on all the work he did as Chair of the Branch over the last few years.  Margaret Miron concurred with those comments.

Three names were proposed for the Principal Officers roles and as there were no further nominations, all three were deemed duly elected.  The committee for Down Syndrome Ireland “Laois Branch” were then elected for the year 2017 as follows:

LAOIS DOWN SYNDROME NEWS

Chairperson: Margaret Miron

Vice Chairperson: Conor Glynn

Secretary: Myra Drennan

Vice Secretary: Kathleen Maher

Treasurer: Michael Greene

Vice Treasurer: Antoinette Dowling

P.R. O.: Mick Gorman

Vice P. R. O.: Ray Harte

National Council Representative: Ray Harte

Committee members: Ashley Whelan, Margaret Donovan, Geraldine Byrne, Kevin Lawlor and Amy Lalor.

As the Principal Organisation supporting people with Down Syndrome in Laois our plans for the coming year include a major drive to establish training for meaningful employment for all our adults with intellectual difficulty here in the county.  This is a major undertaking that our Branch has committed to achieving going forward.