For the 2nd year in a row, whiskey enthusiasts around Ireland have raised a whopping €13,400 in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland and Foyle Down Syndrome Trust thanks to the Celtic Whiskey Shop in Dublin which organised a limited edition ‘All-Ireland’ blended whiskey to support the charities.
In 2019, Celtic Whiskey Shop on Dawson Street approached all sixteen Irish distilleries that currently have aged spirit and they agreed to generously supply 5 litres of cask strength whiskey each, which were married together in a small sherry cask. The 2018 bottling had 12 distilleries taking part.
This was the only ever bottling from these 16 distilleries — Bushmills, Cooley, Dingle, Echlinville, Great Northern, Kilbeggan, Midleton, Pearse Lyons, Teeling, The Shed, Tullamore D.E.W, Shortcross, Connacht, Royal Oak, Waterford & West Cork.
The unique whiskey is named ‘Whiskey 21C’ as Down syndrome occurs when there is one extra copy of chromosome 21 in cells in the body.
Down Syndrome Ireland Interim CEO Deirdre Saul said: “We want to congratulate Ally Alpine from Celtic Whiskey Shop and indeed all of the Irish distilleries for their support in introducing Whiskey 21C to the market to raise vital funds for Down Syndrome Ireland. Thank you to all the whiskey enthusiasts for being part of this exciting initiative and for helping to raise necessary funds to support children and adults with Down syndrome.”
Celtic Whiskey Shop Managing Director Ally Alpine said: “This donation is down to the generosity of the Irish whiskey industry who donate the whiskey to make this special blend along with Workhouse, Labeltech & Cult Drinks who design, print & bottle for free. We are looking forward to creating the 2020 version.”
Manager with Foyle Down Syndrome Trust Christopher Cooper said “I am delighted on behalf of Foyle Down Syndrome Trust to receive this fantastic donation and support from Whiskey 21C. Not only will their donation help support the delivery of our vital services through these very tough and challenging times, their brand will raise the profile and awareness of people with Down syndrome. We would like to say a massive THANK YOU from everyone at Foyle Down Syndrome Trust”
Down Syndrome Ireland provides supports and services to people with Down syndrome across Ireland. The charity’s specialist team work directly with all age groups of people with Down syndrome are working tirelessly to support as many families as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic. DSI has adapted all the supports and services they offer through online communication tools.
Foyle Down Syndrome Trust are a unique, locally based charity who have been supporting the development of children and young people with Down syndrome from birth to adulthood for the past 25 years on Northern Ireland.
Down Syndrome Ireland’s vital fundraising income has been severely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, with all annual campaigns and activities curtailed. If you are in a position to do so, please help them continue to support children and adults with Down syndrome and their families throughout Ireland with a donation at www.downsyndrome.ie/donate.
Pictured are Alastair Alpine, John Burke & David Sanfy from Celtic Whiskey Shop with Kathleen Fitzsimons and Deirdre Saul from Down Syndrome Ireland to present a cheque for €13, 414.50 in aid of DSI and Foyle Down Syndrome Trust from the sale of Whiskey 21C
