Cork's Field of Dreams has 'winning combination' in supporting adults with Down Syndrome

A PERSON with Down Syndrome, 26-year-old Conor Moynihan, of Douglas, is not camera-shy and he is certainly not work-shy.

“Conor has a great sense of occasion, and he loves his style,” says his mum, Eileen.

Conor has two jobs. He works part-time at the Down Syndrome charity shop in Merchants Quay and three days a week in Cummins Sports shop, Douglas.

Mum also got a job.

“I drove Conor to his courses every Thursday and Friday for two years,” says Eileen. 

He always looked forward to coming here to the Field of Dreams and getting on with his Literacy and Technology Programme.

The programme focuses on building comprehension and communication skills, both written and verbal.

Conor got into the groove, taking on the Field to Fork/Ready2Work Programme after successfully completing the Literacy and Technology Programme.

The Field to Fork programme utilises the three-acre site and students learn about growing, potting, harvesting and cooking the produce.

The Ready2Work programme focuses on preparing students for work, securing paid employment, and sustaining employment.

“He loved the routine, and he was always buzzing with enthusiasm on the way home,” says Eileen.

When the pandemic hit, Conor didn’t let that stop him progressing with his studies.

“It was challenging for the students and the staff,” says Debbie Kelleher, care-coordinator.

Conor was at home, but he went online with his tutor for sessions on Thursdays and Fridays. 

"His class learned the new skill of zooming and the students learned new rules during Covid. After Covid, when the students came back, there was great excitement,” says Debbie.

“The first day back, people were a bit nervous, wearing masks and learning how to act during Covid, social distancing, etc., but everyone settled down and got back on track.”

Conor was a fast learner.

“We assess what suits the student best and the families best regarding the programmes we offer,” says Debbie.

Conor received his cert for Literacy and Technology on a hot summer’s day in 2021.

“It was a great family occasion,” says Debbie. 

Everyone got their photograph taken and they wore a sash to mark their graduation.

Conor must be very proud of his achievement?

“I was really proud,” says Conor. “I felt very lucky and very important!”

Conor, going on to learn more important skills, soon had his sights set on securing employment.

“Field to Fork involves growing food in the poly-tunnel, harvesting it, cooking it, and tasting it,” says Debbie.

Eating it must be the best part?

Conor agrees.

“Yes, that’s the best part!”

The Ready2Work Programme involves getting ready for the world of work, doing up CVs, identifying preferred jobs and work experience.

“We do a lot of profiling, seeing what kind of work best suits each individual,” says Employment Support Specialist, Margaret Greaney.

When Conor embarked on a training employment scheme in retail at the DS Cork charity shop in Merchant’s Quay, he was in his element.

“I love sorting out the books and the DVDs,” he says.

I date the books and I count the float for the till. I put the cubes on the hangers for the clothes sizes.

“It is a busy shop in a great location. Often, people from the cruise ships come in.”

Somebody famous stopped by one day to see Conor.

“Yes, Dáithí Ó Sé from the Today Show on TV came into the shop,” says Conor.

What did he say?

“He said; ‘I came in to see Conor!’”

Conor, a working man, likes being independent.

“He did his bus training with CIE and his travel assistant Amy often accompanies him,” says Eileen.

“Conor is very independent.”

Does it feel good to travel by bus heading to work?

“It feels great,” says Conor. “Except when it’s raining!”

Conor, an avid GAA and rugby fan, took up another challenge when he explored another avenue and was taken on by Cummins Sports, Douglas.

“Conor met with Ainé, and she agreed to take him on a four-week trial,” says Margaret.

Does Conor remember what did Ainé said after the trial period?

“You got the job!” says Conor, beaming with pride.

“He was very proud of himself,” says Eileen.

“I got a contract until Christmas,” says Conor.

Does he like working in the sports shop?

“I ask him how was work today?” says Eileen. “And he says, mighty!”

What’s Conor’s favourite thing working in the sports shop?

“I love sorting out the jerseys and my favourite thing is clocking in!” says Conor.

“There are three others working in the shop and Conor fits in and they all get on well,” says Eileen.

Being in paid employment is a very good thing.

“I like getting paid!” says Conor.

What does he spend his hard-earned money on?

“I like going for a meal in Barry’s in Douglas,” says Conor.

He likes treating his mum too.

“He treats me to coffee and a scone after work,” says Eileen.

“We go to the Maryborough Hotel. Conor is a diabetic, he is insulin dependent, and he has to be mindful of what he eats. Coping with that and being where he is, is exceptional,” says Eileen.

Conor’s sister, Deirdre, likes keeping in touch with Conor, and with his progress at work.

“Deirdre, who lives in Melbourne, loves her phone calls with Conor,” says Eileen.

Deirdre, like her mother, notices the change in Conor since he started working.

“We can all see the change in Conor,” says Eileen.

He used to be very shy. His confidence has grown since focusing on his work.

“He knows he is good at his job, and he has enthusiasm for work and interacting with the public.”

Margaret sees the difference in Conor also.

“He is a great candidate for the workplace,” says Margaret, who has seen many success stories in her role as Employment Support Specialist supporting the five training programmes Field of Dreams offers.

Conor has a good sense of humour, he is reliable, he turns up on time, he is willing to help, and he is friendly, he chats away.

Eileen says Field of Dreams is the full package.

“It is amazing,” she says. “It has the winning combination.”

Debbie and Margaret both agree.

“We get immense job satisfaction here,” says Debbie.

Eileen gets great satisfaction from seeing her son reaching his full potential.

“Conor is a really kind guy,” she says. “He is quick to give compliments and he is very aware of the people around him whether they are happy or sad. He cheers them up if they are sad.”

Conor is revelling in the world of retail.

“I like working,” says Conor.

What else does he like?

“I like eating out and I like playing table tennis on Wednesday nights.”

Conor, earning his own wages, is entitled to do what he enjoys.

“He has a great work ethic,” says Margaret.

“And he always likes to look well,” Eileen adds.

Very important for a man of the world!

ABOUT FIELD OF DREAMS

The Field of Dreams was built in 2017 by Down Syndrome Cork. Their mission is to provide opportunities for adults with Down Syndrome for ongoing learning and growth through a variety of different programmes.

Set in a three-acre horticultural site in Curraheen, Cork, Field of Dreams is a training environment, with an emphasis on learning through meaningful and productive tasks in a social and holistic setting.

Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, this is a unique model of social farming, where all benefits of working in nature, (physical, mental, emotional, and social) are already being seen by those learning, working and volunteering here.