Tallaght entrepreneur raising awareness on World Down Syndrome Day

MEET Thomas Barry, an entrepreneur from Tallaght who, with his family, is raising awareness around the need for better opportunities in the workplace for people with Down syndrome.

Today, Tuesday, March 21, is World Down Syndrome Day – a global awareness day celebrated annually and officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.

The theme this year is With Us Not For Us, which focuses on the right to be treated fairly, have the same opportunities as everyone else and the freedom for people to make their own choices.

Tallaght entrepreneur Thomas Barry and his family are supporting and celebrating World Down Syndrome Day, and highlighting the need for better opportunities in the workplace for people with Down syndrome.

In 2019, Thomas, with support from family, launched a new online business called Thomp2 Socks.

The local entrepreneur, who has Down syndrome, lives with dad Finbar and together with cousin Shane they run the company – which recently opened a pop-up shop in The Square.

Dad Finbar previously told The Echo how he hoped Thomas, who always wanted to work, would have options and opportunities like everyone else – which resulted in Thomp2 Socks being established.

Speaking with The Echo this week, cousin Shane Barry said: “The number of people with Down syndrome in full-time employment [in Ireland] is quite low really.

“It’s important to raise awareness around people with Down syndrome being included in different things and being given better opportunities in work… and a better quality of life”.

According to Down Syndrome Ireland, only a small per centage of people with Down syndrome are in paid employment in Ireland.

The charity estimates that levels were at just six per cent, pre-pandemic.

Alongside raising awareness around employment opportunities, Thomas has in the run-up to World Down Syndrome Day been sharing a series of stories about his life as a man with Down syndrome living in Ireland.

The youngest of seven children, Thomas was born and raised in Crumlin before moving to Tallaght as a teenager.

Sharing his early life story, Thomas said: “Early life was difficult.

“As well as being born with Down syndrome, I had a list of illnesses including bone disease of the hips, bowel disease and anaemia.

“My parents had to fight to get me the help and vital medical care I needed.

“We had endless hospital and doctor visits, which still continue today.

“Despite these difficulties, I was always a happy and loving child and loved fun and adventure.”

He added: “I discovered socks at an early age.

“I would put one sock inside an other and spin them around all day on my finger.

“I named this invention my ‘shake’.

“This is a form of stimulation which is common in Down syndrome and Autism.

“To this day, I bring my trusty shake everywhere!”

Thomas’s love of socks and his sense of fun is evident in his business, which sells colourful and trendy socks for all.

Thomp2 Socks has a strong focus on giving back, and since starting has donated five per cent of all profits to St John of God services – an organisation that has supported Thomas from an early age.

The sock company has raised money for a number of charities, and recently launched a limited-edition Wow Burger sock, with proceeds from sales going to Down Syndrome Ireland.

In another recent venture, Thomp2 Socks teamed up with Fonthill-based start-up, The Smooth Company.

The two ventures teamed up to launch ‘The Perfect Pair’, a package which consists of award-winning hair product Smooth Stick and a cosy pair of luxury, extra fluffy socks from Thomp2 Socks.

Some 10 per cent of all profits from this partnership go to CASA – Caring and Sharing Association supporting people with disabilities.

Follow Thomp2 Socks on Facebook and Instagram or order online at or drop into the pop-up shop in The Square.

Learn more about World Down Syndrome Day and fundraising events at Down Syndrome Ireland.

People can raise awareness and funds by taking park in the charity’s Lots of Socks campaign – where everyone is encouraged to wear their brightest, mismatched socks to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.

And, if you need socks… Thomp2 Socks has you covered.

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