‘We are walking for our Field of Dreams’... 35 Cork people take on Camino challenge

A dedicated group of 35 family members and friends of Down Syndrome Cork are taking on a heartfelt challenge this week - walking 112km on the Camino in northern Spain.

The group set off on Friday and hope to raise €100,000 to go toward the Cork Field of Dreams Development Project - a mission to transform its site in Curraheen into a Centre of Excellence for people with Down syndrome and their families.

Before they set off, I met Ray O’Callaghan, Chairman of Down Syndrome Cork and the brains behind the Field of Dreams, and his daughter Grace, at a Camino fundraising coffee morning at The Blackbird, Ballycotton.

Grace is in great form, enjoying socialising.

“She has changed our family life in so many ways,” says Ray, who has two older sons. “She sees the positive in everything and she has really benefited from the Field of Dreams. She made us understand what is real.”

Ray is heading off to the Camino again to help raise funds for his baby, Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams.

“He completed the trek last time,” says Brenda, Ray’s wife. “He came back in one piece!”

That’s good news.

Ray laughs.

“You must pace yourself, then you’ll keep walking. The company is great.”

Brenda says Down Syndrome Cork and Field of Dreams are an important support for parents.

“We are all in the same boat,” says Brenda. “For me, at the start, it was great to meet and get advice from other parents. For example, how to manage the various stages of the child’s life progress-wise. I try and advise other parents about things, like applying for disability or services they may require.

“For me, Down Syndrome Cork and the Field of Dreams meant the support of other parents.”

It was lovely to be introduced to two young men who have availed of the Field of Dreams Cork.

The Blackbird is buzzing with people supporting the 36 walkers ahead of their Camino challenge, which got underway on Friday.

“Hi, my name is Sean McMahon. I want to thank you for coming today to support the Camino walkers,” says Sean. “I hope you are enjoying the yummy cakes!”

They are delicious.

Sean says the Field of Dreams is a very important place for him.

“It helps me, my girlfriend, Katie, and my friends,” says Sean, 22, from Waterfall, Cork.

“Last year, I studied ‘Active Learning’ in the Field. It was great fun, and we learned a lot. Next week I start Technology and Literacy. I am really looking forward to it.”

The Field of Dreams is part of Down Syndrome Cork. Together they provide speech therapy for all age groups, and also Word Skills Training, Life Skills Training, help with finding jobs, and independent living.

Christine, Sean’s mother, has walked the Camino before.

Christine, like her son, Sean, has made many friends at Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams.

“Like myself, Sean has made loads of friends there,” says Christine. “Apart from the educational aspect, the sense of fun is always evident.”

Daniel O’Connell, 17, has made a lot of pals too at DSCFOD. But his claim to fame is having met the popular bands, The Stunning and Madness.

Not only did he meet The Stunning, but Daniel was also on stage with them playing the tambourine at Cork Opera House.

How did this amazing gig come about?

“The concert was for over 18s only,” says Jenny, Daniel’s mum.

“The brothers in the band, Steve and Joe Wall, have a sister with a child with Down syndrome. I got in touch with them, and they invited Daniel to their sound check in the Opera House before the performance.”

Daniel has autism.

“First, he ran away because of the noise,” says Dan, Daniel’s dad.

Then Daniel got into the groove.

“He recognised one of the band’s tunes, Romeo On Fire, and he began to dance,” says Dan. “He got the feeling he was safe and among friends.”

That was for sure.

“Daniel asked me to lift him up on stage and he played the tambourine!” says Dan.

Daniel, among friends, had made new friends.

“At The Stunning’s concert in Timoleague, Cormac gave him a go on the drums!”

What effect did these moments of fame have on Daniel?

“He stood taller,” says Dan. “It was life-changing for Daniel.”

Daniel, a music-lover and a swimmer, has made many lovely memories.

“He met the band Madness, and we brought Daniel to a Blondie concert in London seven years ago. His SNA Jennie reminded him of the concert when she did a PowerPoint presentation about Blondie in school.”

No doubt the music will be pounding out of the shed at the O’Connell homestead for Daniel’s 18th birthday next June?

“That’s for sure!” says Dan.

When we spoke, Dan and Jenny were pounding themselves, doing circuit training ahead of their Camino trek.

“We have been members of Down Syndrome Cork since Daniel was born,” says Jenny.

“We have received so much support and made many wonderful friends along the way. Daniel has grown up with a loving community around him that appreciates him, and we want to ensure that continues for Daniel into adulthood and for other children.

“We are walking with purpose, to raise funds for our Field of Dreams project.”

What is their vision?

“Our vision is to transform our site in Curraheen into a Centre of Excellence for people with Down syndrome and their families,” says Jenny.

Everyone is aware of the wonderful services of Down Syndrome Cork and Field of Dreams.

“But we want to bring it all together,” says Jenny. “On one site, on one campus, in one community, for every stage of life.

“We are currently planning additional buildings at the Field of Dreams to house all these wonderful services in one purpose-built inclusive space. We aim to complete this dream by September, 2026.”

They are all in it together.

“Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams has evolved with the parents’ energy,” says Jenny.

“From learning gardening, cooking, to the ‘Down to be Me’ camp, everything for the children is just wonderful.”

The team are this week walking 112km on the Camino in Northern Spain. They will return home on October 3.

“It will be absolutely wonderful,” agrees both Jenny and Dan.

“Together we can turn our Field of Dreams into a reality.”

The Camino 4 Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams Development Project has a target of €100,000.

• To donate: https://www.idonate.ie/event/Camino4DSCorkFoD