A Donegal mum has praised the life-changing support that has helped her six-year-old daughter Maisie flourish. Artist Emer Flanagan, who is originally from Letterkenny, says the services provided by Down Syndrome Ireland have supported not only Maisie’s development, but their entire family. Maisie Flanagan, from Terenure in Dublin, was born with Down syndrome and a hole in her heart. “Speech and language has probably been the biggest support for us,” says Emer, who is originally from Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Emer describes Down Syndrome Ireland as being there for the family every step of the way, not only helping Maisie but also providing reassurance and connection for parents.