Fashion first at Down Syndrome Ireland fundraising show
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At the Trim Fashion Show were, from left, Josephine Mills, EO at Mullingar Garda Station, Bee Flanagan, MC, Garda Ellie Cosgrove, who liaised with the Westmeath contingent, and Sergeant Elaine Long.Image 2 of 8
Sergeant Elaine Long and Shirley Daly, both from Mullingar, at the Fashion Show hosted by An Garda Síochána Women’s Network in Trim.Image 3 of 8
Westmeath models, from left, Detective Sergeant Dave Donnelly, Fintan Bray and Sergeant Brian Stones, with MC Bee Flanagan at the Garda Síochána Women’s Network Fashion Show.Image 4 of 8
From left, Fintan Bray, Detective Superintendent Dave Nolan, Sergeant Brian Stones, MC Bee Flanagan, Garda Gerry Burke and Garda Donal Barrett at the Fashion Show in Trim in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland.Image 5 of 8
Monica O’Gorman was one of the models in the Fashion Show held in Trim.Image 6 of 8
Among those who took to the catwalk was Sergeant Elaine Long, who lives in Mullingar.Image 7 of 8
Detective Sergeant Dave Donnelly on the catwalk in the Fashion Show in Trim in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland.Image 8 of 8
Josephine Mills of Mullingar Garda Station was one of the models at the Fashion Show in Trim.Gardaí and members of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) from Mullingar and surrounding areas took to the catwalk at a gala fashion show held in Trim recently. There was also a large contingent from Westmeath in the audience.
Locals who took part included Fintan Bray, Monica Gorman and Liam Foley from DSI, Detective Superintendent Dave Nolan, Detective Sergeant Dave Donnelly, Sergeant Brian Stones, and Josephine Mills, Mullingar Garda Station, Garda Edel Dugdale, who lives in Delvin, and Garda Elaine Long, who lives in Mullingar.
Monica Gorman confidently modelled a stunning outfit from Female Boutique. Fintan Bray looked dapper in his suit from Wilfs, as did Liam Foley, who modelled a modern man casual outfit of beige chinos, navy jacket and brown shoes. Josephine Mills, Elaine Long and Edel Dugdale also modelled.
The fashion show opened with a dramatic entrance by four handsome gardaí in tuxedos, James Bond style. Brian Stones, Dave Donnelly, Dave Nolan and Gerry Burke bounded on to the catwalk amid fanfare and dramatic music by DJ Philip. Those same gentlemen acted as ushers to the models as they wowed the audience with stunning fashion from numerous boutiques and menswear shops.
Compère was Instagram celebrity ‘Bee Flanagan AMC The Numbers Coach’ (‘whatwillbewithbee’), and Facebook and Instagram photos meant that many outfits were bought online within minutes of being modelled.
The four tables of Westmeath supporters were hugely impressed by the friendliness and professionalism of the whole event. “We were made feel special from first arrival. The room was beautifully decorated with balloons and gift bags at every seat,” said Laura Drumm, chairperson of Longford Westmeath Down Syndrome Ireland.
She said it was an opportunity to raise funds for supports for those with Down Syndrome, and she applauded Garda Ellie Cosgrove and Superintendent Martina Noonan and all who organised the event.
Laura explained that Longford Westmeath DSI has approximately 100 members and is run by a friendly, vibrant group of committed volunteer parents. They offer “supports to their peers and children and young adults with Down Syndrome, including monthly baby and toddler groups, speech therapy, bursaries, swimming, summer camps, cookery, gardening, personal development, Christmas parties, liaison with Down Syndrome Ireland webinars” and more.
“We feel it’s important that parents network with each other, have some quality down time and are educated and informed. We are our children’s best advocates,” Laura said.
The fashion event followed a number of events held locally. Anna Drumm and Monica Gorman were Cover Girls for Down Syndrome Ireland’s Lots of Socks national campaign to promote inclusiveness and raise awareness for people with Down Syndrome. There was also a trip to Dáil Éireann and a party to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.
The fashion show was hosted by the An Garda Síochána Eastern Region Women’s Network to raise funds for local branches of DSI. Superintendent Noonan and Garda Cosgrove were the main driving force behind this initiative, supported by a dedicated committee.
The network was established in 2019 to support and encourage women in the advancement of their careers by offering opportunities for professional development, mentorship and wellbeing. It organises career development seminars and social events throughout the year, with the objective of building strong connections and increasing professional skills and confidence.