'Things have changed for the better' for people in Ireland living with Down Syndrome 

The sister of a man who was one of the oldest people in Ireland living with Down Syndrome is delighted for James Martin’s recent Oscar win, as it shows things are finally changing

Anne Smyth with photos of herself and her late brother James Daly who was one of the oldest surviving people with Down Syndrome when he passed away in 2021. Picture: Moya Nolan

The sister of a man who was one of the oldest people in Ireland living with Down Syndrome has said she was delighted for James Martin’s recent Oscar win, because it shows things are finally changing.

James Daly from Sean McDermott St, north inner-city Dublin, died on Christmas Day 2021 aged 65. He was institutionalised for the last 40 years of his life after his dying mother Hannah insisted he go into State care rather than be a burden her other children with his round-the-clock care needs.