Kildare community asked to host 'Ice Cream Funday' parties for Down Syndrome Ireland

Down Syndrome Ireland is asking schools, communities and workplaces across Kildare to sign up and host an Ice Cream Funday party from June 16 to June 20 2025 to raise vital funds and help children access Speech and Language Therapy.

Alisha Weir is best known for her roles in Netflix’s Matilda The Musical, Wicked Little Letters and Abigail. 

She said: “I am delighted to support Down Syndrome Ireland with the brilliant Ice Cream Fundays campaign. The campaign not only fills me with joy, it's also a fun and engaging way to make an impact by combining an ice cream treat with a powerful cause while raising awareness.”  

Ice Cream Fundays raises vital funds to support children with speech and language, and as an actress and singer, Alisha knows the importance and power of using your voice.  

“The funds raised will help with speech and language support, which is so important. I believe in a world where everyone is celebrated for who they are, and everyone is valued equally. And I hope for a world where everyone can speak and communicate with others.”  

Alisha was joined by young members of Down Syndrome Ireland to launch the campaign. 

Melissah Byrne from Kildare and her daughter Evie (pictured) hold Ice Cream Fundays parties each year.

Melissah shared: “I was 25 when I had Evie and knew very little about Down syndrome. In those early years Down syndrome Ireland were a huge help to us, from early development classes, to meeting other parents and attend speech and language classes.” 

Support Ice Cream Fundays so that every child can scream for Ice Cream.  

Communication is a human right, and we want every child to be able to communicate their needs to those around them. But we need your help. There is a severe shortage of Speech and Language Therapy appointments, and the system in Ireland is failing this generation. In 2023 there were 19,000 children waiting for assessments, which delays and impacts their chances of communicating.  

In 2024, Down Syndrome Ireland developed an innovative Speech and Language Therapy Assistant programme, to ensure no child is left behind.  

Under this programme, children with Down syndrome are getting weekly speech and language support. This has changed lives. Since September 2024, almost 4,000 sessions were provided in 9 counties.

As of 2025, Down Syndrome Ireland branches are now providing Speech and Language Therapy support to 17 counties. We want that every child who needs our help have immediate access to consistent therapy.

Fundraising just €16 could cover the cost of one speech and language therapy assistant session, and €765 could cover an entire year for a child’s appointments. 

Register at downsyndrome.ie.  

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