School and Down syndrome: First schoolday bell rings for Annabelle

Ireland has one of the highest rates of Down syndrome in Europe, however at least 260 children with additional needs had no school place this year.

Déise girl Annabelle Doogue, on her first day at school.

This month, youngsters all over the country walked tentatively through school doors for the first time. Among them was Annabelle, a little girl from Waterford with Down syndrome.

Recalling that landmark day, her father, Ian Doogue, says she knew that morning a big change was coming: “When we walked into the classroom, she clung to me like a koala bear.”