Ulster GAA announce Down’s & Proud as new Charity Partner

Ulster GAA has teamed up with Down’s & Proud to support inclusion and raise vital funds for the charity throughout 2025.

Ulster GAA President Michael Geoghegan recently visited the Down’s & Proud Choir where they practice at Clann Éireann GAC Youth Club, Lurgan, to meet the children, volunteers and families.

The Down’s & Proud charity was formed in 2007, set up to help local children with Down’s Syndrome overcome any obstacles that may be in their way.

This thriving group meet every week to take-part in fun games, songs, dance and music, providing a great opportunity to build friendships between children and their families.

Michael became aware of the great work that Down’s & Proud carry out following a fundraising event in his local community in memory of Conrad McBride, who was a member of the Down’s & Proud group.

“We are delighted to be able to help-out in their fundraising efforts, whilst also making GAA followers throughout the province aware of the charity’s great work.”

Áine Beatty, one of Down’s & Proud’s founders, and mother of Jay, was delighted that Ulster GAA has pledged to support the charity.

“Down’s & Proud are over the moon to be this year’s chosen charity for the Ulster GAA. We are so excited to work with everyone and look forward to raising funds together for our brilliant children and their families.

“From the very onset of the group, it became apparent that the one thing we all shared as parents of children with Down Syndrome was how proud we all are of our children, and how proud we are of their siblings for the way that they cope with having a brother or sister that may need that little bit of extra help.

“We act as a support network for the wider family circle by helping each other out when it comes to dealing with issues and gaining much needed advice. We provide a listening ear for those who want to share their thoughts and experiences.”

Throughout the years, many lifelong friendships have blossomed amongst children and the parents involved with the group.

Each year the charity raises funds for many events, trips and activities, including an annual two-week Summer Scheme that caters for all ages, a much-needed weekly ‘Tell Tales Speech Club’ and weekly football training.

They also hold weekly singing classes, provide educational aids for their children, hold training courses and monthly activity days for all the family, and much more.

Áine added: “We really appreciate all funds that are donated to our group. Every penny goes towards our children and their families to ensure that we reach the main aim of Down’s & Proud which is to make sure that our children are living their best lives and are very happy.”

You can follow Down’s and Proud and find out more about the charity on their Facebook page.