New ambassador roles for Jennifer and Jack Barry

"We've been very lucky to avail of the services of Down Syndrome Ireland since Jack was born.”

Those were the words of ‘The Young Offenders’ star Jennifer Barry as she and her brother Jack were announced as Down Syndrome Ireland’s two new ambassadors.

Jennifer has been named celebrity ambassador for Down Syndrome Ireland. Jennifer and brother Jack will be working together to promote the work of Down Syndrome Ireland, which supports people with Down syndrome throughout their lives.

The duo recently supported the organisation with Ice Cream Fundays, Down Syndrome Ireland's annual summer fundraiser, and are now onboard for a long-term partnership. This will include events, appearances and other exciting projects.

Jennifer added: "Jack is now 29 and even still we're working very closely with the charity, so to be asked to come on board as official ambassadors is a real honour. It's nice to be working even more closely with the organisation. We would love to give back in some way and continue that relationship. To us it's a huge honour, I've worked with Down Syndrome Ireland for many years, doing different fundraisers so to be asked to carry the mission forward, spread the word and promote the work that you do is really special for us.”

Jennifer is currently starring in the fourth season of ‘The Young Offenders’, while Jack works with Cork County Council and also performs in theatre. He has praised the work of Down Syndrome Ireland's Cork branch, where he avails of supports at the Field of Dreams facility.

CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland Nichola Aylward said: “ I know that there are a lot of fans of ‘The Young Offenders’ amongst our members, so it will be a great thrill for them to see Jennifer supporting Down Syndrome Ireland. Jack and Jennifer are both incredibly powerful advocates for people with Down Syndrome and their families, and we really look forward to working with them both.”