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A MURAL CELEBRATING people with Down syndrome has been unveiled in Dublin city centre today.
The 60ft tall piece of artwork entitled ‘Don’t Talk Down to Me’ was created by artist and activist Joe Caslin to mark Down Syndrome Ireland’s 50th birthday.
It can be seen on the side of a building at the corner of Harcourt Street and Clonmel Street in the capital.
The artwork features 21-year-old Amanda Butler from Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
“I am so excited to be part of Down Syndrome Ireland’s anniversary. I am grateful I have been given the chance to shine,” she said.
Caslin’s previous pieces have also focused on prevalent social issues in Irish society.
Perhaps his most famous work was the mural advocating for same-sex marriage, which appeared on George’s Street in 2015.
Another series of works, Our Nation’s Sons, looked at the issues facing boys and young men in the state, while The Volunteers series highlighted the importance of volunteerism for issues such as drug addiction, mental health, and direct provision.
Speaking at today’s launch, Caslin said: “The artwork is Amanda looking down on the world and she is asking you to consider her place within a community, a workplace, and the healthcare setting.”
The unveiling of the mural coincides with a new report launched by Down Syndrome Ireland as part of a new campaign.
‘The Upside’ campaign focuses on four key aspects of life for a person with Down syndrome: health, education, employment and life in the community.
The report, ‘The Upside – Life with Down syndrome‘, outlines the gaps between public attitudes and societal aspirations towards inclusion and the harsh realities of life for people with Down syndrome and their families.
It found that while over 60% of post primary students with Down syndrome would like to go to college, less than 30% were doing some kind of course before the Covid-19 pandemic, many of which were delivered in a health setting by care staff.
It also found that the number of people with Down syndrome currently in paid employment is likely to be less than 10%.
According to the Oireachtas Disability Group Pre-Budget Submission 2021, Ireland currently has lowest rate of employment and one of the highest poverty rates for people with a disability in the EU.
“We need to change this,” Down Syndrome Ireland CEO Barry Sheridan said.
“In the past 5 years, Down Syndrome Ireland has submitted over 20 submissions to a wide and varied range of Government consultations. We have participated in numerous pilot programmes, but significant gaps to inclusion remain.
“The time for discussion has passed. Now it is time for action,” he added.
Almost 75% of respondents with a family member with Down syndrome said the Government needs to provide greater supports.
The report outlines 21 Demands for the Government to bring about “real change in achieving disability rights in this country”.
These demands include calls for full implementation of already adopted legislation and policies, as well as the need for urgent updating of long-standing laws which are “out of date, irrelevant and unfit for purpose”.
Sheridan added that there is key legislation that has not yet been fully implemented, such as the 2015 Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act.
“This leaves vulnerable people having their capacity challenged using the 1871 Lunacy Act, a 150-year-old law. It is unacceptable and shocking that it is still in place. Let’s make it the last anniversary for this law,” he said.
“On our 50th birthday we re-dedicate ourselves to a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realise their life’s aspirations and become valued members of a welcoming society.”
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I think it’s deadly. Your loss Ennistymon.
@Dearbhla O Reilly: exactly …. It’s pure class.
Fair play to you Harte and fair play to the people of Carron; by and by, some of the worlds best loved art works weren’t universally liked when they were first unveiled so you’re in good company.
It’s a class piece of work. Fair play. The “priest” brought it up at mass….. we are still listening to them:-( Move on. With about 700 religions around the world set up to prey on the vulnerable we are still afraid to stand up to ours. Hopefully the next generation will have zero subserviency to them and grow up with no impression instilled in them
@Niall Gannon: Such bollixology doesn’t become you. €30k of tax payer’s money to produce works of art like that? And the cost keeps rising, due to relocation etc; Hope there’s no Mica in the Púca. Should be sent to Poulaphuca and be drowned!! Most modern day “artists” I know, couldn’t draw the dole!!
@Sean O Callaghan: jealous much?
@Sean O Callaghan: wow…everyone’s an art critic and then there’s you…relax boy…don’t be such a philistine!
@Sean O Callaghan: how many do you know
@Niall Gannon: what has this article got to do with religion? You say the “priest” brought it up at mass, and you go on an anti religion rant, why are you going to mass if you don’t agree with it?, what are you, seven years old?
@Julian King: I don’t think he was at mass when the priest brought it up.
Most people would know that one of the things that started the controversy was PP Fr Willie Cummins denouncing it from the altar at Sunday Mass.
Apparently he decribed it as ‘sinister’.
I believe Fr Cummins has since been relocated back to the 17 century.
@Julian King: the priest denounced the statue and all of a sudden ” we don’t want the statue here”. Hopefully my sons generation do not have to deal with this crap from men in robes who have no life skills. The sooner the better the church is done here the better imo.
It has already taken on a life of its own.
Very much like the legend.
The fact that it caused so much debate is testemony to its briilance. Imho
It’s something different, I wouldn’t mind getting a present of it.
It’s a magnificent sculpture absolutely stunning.
It’s pure class I think it’s a lovely piece ,I’m willing to bet a small portion of my wages that a small group of probably retired gossipers who have been allocated too much power in the community of Ennistymon are responsible for this bad decision and the people of Carron will forever be grateful for this gift.
@old rusty 1: ageist
A stunning piece of art.
if we start hunting withes like in the middle ages then .. maybe the next victims sould be the leprechauns whose images are sold all around ireland to swarms of tourists : mugs, tshirts, key rings etc etc .. they are quite more famous that this poor Puca ! Bravo to the town which agreed to welcome this statue which remembers all of us that myths are the founding fathers of all civilisations !
Delighted it has found a home, I love the movement and style it has.
The days of some priest denouncing from the pulpit are well over. Shame on you Willie Cummins
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