Tons of Fun Tots welcomes an unexpected guest …

There was great excitement at the Tons of Fun Tots playgroup during its last session when a certain someone in a familiar red suit paid an unexpected visit to some of the youngest members of the DSI Louth Meath Branch.

We had a room full of excited boys and girls, all dressed up for Christmas, and ready to party with their teacher, Triona Cussen. We were practicing “good sitting” and singing some seasonal classics. All the boys and girls were attentively watching Triona demonstrate some Lámh signs along with the songs when who should come in the door  … only Santa Claus!

Practicing Good Sitting

Some of the children were very excited to meet the man himself while others were a little more hesitant but Santa made sure he had a little something for everyone in his sack.

Suffice to say it was a great morning and a wonderful lead up to the Christmas season.

A special word of thanks to Mickey Rooney and all the staff in St Mary’s GAA, Ardee as well as the transition year students from Ardee Community School. The Christmas party was a huge success, enjoyed by both the babies and parents alike.

A Happy Christmas to you all.

Tons of Fun Tots is a play & educational group based in Ardee for pre-school children with Down Syndrome. The group is suitable for babies/wobblers/toddlers from 6 months to preschool/school age. However, new mums/dads & younger babies are always welcome. The group is a formal, but fun-based, learning environment for infants and young children and introduces them to lots of songs and rhymes using Lámh which helps develop their social skills and build a close circle of friends. It is also a valuable resource for parents, providing an opportunity for them to see Lámh being used in a setting that is both informal and more importantly, fun.

For further information on Tons of Fun Tots, please contact:

Brendan Stephenson at secretarydslm@gmail.com or Andrea McArdle 086-3709831 https://dsilmb.ie/more/tons-of-fun-tots/

Christmas Party Invite

We have sent out our invitations for the Branch Christmas Parties by email. Enclosed were:

1.     Invitation to the Children’s Christmas Party (for 0 – 12 year olds) on Sunday, 15th December 2019RSVP by Saturday 7th December, and the invitation to the Christmas Party for Teenagers/Adults on Saturday 14th December 2018RSVP by Monday 9th December.  Members families of young teenagers can choose which is the most appropriate party for their teenager


2.     Membership Renewal Form 2020.  The membership fee this year is €20. Membership for children under 2 years of age is free.  Please ensure that you return the attached form with your membership, so that we have up to date information for all our families.  Families availing of any service or activity are required to have current membership.


The Louth Meath Branch send regular emails, at least 2 each month, so if you do not receive these emails please contact the secretary to update your contact details. 


Down Syndrome Ireland Christmas Cards are available from Committee Members and will also be available at the Branch Christmas Parties.


We wish to thank all committee members, officers and everyone who organised events or activities for the branch during the year – these are parents of people with Down Syndrome who give of their time, on a voluntary basis to improve the lives of people with Down Syndrome in counties Louth and Meath area

https://dsilmb.ie/event/childrens-christmas-party-for-0-12-year-olds

https://dsilmb.ie/event/christmas-outing-for-teenagers-young-adults-2/

https://dsilmb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Down-Syndrome-Ireland-Membership-2020-1.pdf

DSI Christmas Cards for 2019

The Branch has received its allocation of DSI Christmas Cards for 2019.

Cards are available for purchase from Brendan on secretarydslm@gmail.com, 083 8972044, Ellie on email elliecosgrove@hotmail.com, 087 6671393 or from any Committee Member.

Cards cost 
Member designed cards (4 designs per pack) in packs of 12 @ €6.00 per pack
Small box of 10 cards (1 design per box) @ €7.00 per pack
Small Cello Packs of 10 cards (1 design per pack) @ €7.00 per pack
* NEW * Christmas Bonus Box of 30 Assorted Cards (16cm square) @ €8.00 per pack