18 July 2025

Community Fund

Down Syndrome Clare Receives Cash Grant from the RISE Global Foundation

Entrepreneur David McCourt and Mayor of Clare Cllr Alan O’Callaghan on hand to “turn the sod” as renovation work starts at new premises

RISE Global Foundation, the charity established by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) founder David McCourt, has donated a €5,000 cash grant to Down Syndrome Clare, the parent-led voluntary organisation providing information, support, services and friendship to people with Down Syndrome and their families.

As the local branch of Down Syndrome Ireland, Down Syndrome Clare recently purchased a new premises in Ennis and is currently undertaking a large renovation project to bring state-of-the-art facilities to its members.

Maeve Crawford, Secretary of Down Syndrome Clare, commented: “We have been thrilled to welcome David McCourt and the Mayor of Clare, Councillor Alan O’Callaghan, to turn the sod at our new premises here on the Gord Road in Ennis as we officially commence our exciting new renovation project.”

“We are incredibly grateful to RISE for this grant, which will go a long way as we invest in our new facilities. As a voluntary team, we rely on the kindness and support of our donors, and with RISE’s help we can really strengthen our services to the benefit of our children and their families.”

In partnership with National Broadband Ireland, RISE has awarded over 150 cash grants across the country to support charities, social enterprises, small businesses, farms and schools, particularly in rural areas.

Clare resident, David McCourt, who is the founder of RISE and chairman of NBI added: “Voluntary groups like Down Syndrome Clare are the fabric of our rural communities, providing vital services, love and support. It’s a privilege for RISE and NBI to be able to empower community groups such as Down Syndrome Clare and I’m excited to see their new tech-enabled facilities once their construction work in complete.”

Responsible for rolling out the Irish Government’s National Broadband Plan, NBI is on a mission to connect over 1.1 million people to its new high-speed fibre network. NBI is reminding Clare residents to visit their website at nbi.ie to check whether their home, farm or business is included in the National Broadband Plan and to sign up for Eircode specific updates on the rollout.

Photo caption: David McCourt, founder of RISE Global Foundation and chairman of NBI, and Cllr Alan O’Callaghan pictured with Down Syndrome Clare representatives Maura McDonagh, Colete O’Loughlin, Maeve Crawford, Donal Monaghan and Paul Kirrane. Photography: Natasha Barton.

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