Riverdance Star Michael Flatley Opens his Home to Down Syndrome Ireland

03 June 2014

From high kicks to creamy lick, Michael Flatley opened his lavish north Cork home today for an ice cream party with a worthy twist.

Members of the Cork branch of Down Syndrome Ireland were among the lucky few to share in the HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Funday celebration at the Riverdance star’s stunning home at Castlehyde. Invited guests enjoyed scoops of delicious ice cream from family favourite Hazelbrook Farm.

The campaign, which is once again generously supported by HB Hazelbrook Farm, runs during May and June with hundreds of fun ice cream parties being hosted across the country supported by thousands of volunteers.

The ice cream party is just one of many registered parties to take place all over Ireland this month to raise funds for Down Syndrome Ireland.  "It’s a magnificent property in a stunning location, but above all else we are delighted to have someone as high-profile as Michael on board," said DSI chief executive Pat Clarke. "This was one of the most anticipated events on the ice cream party calendar. Michael has been very supportive of us through the years."  Chicago-born Flatley delighted his guests as host, posing for pictures and signing autographs. 

The HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Funday parties are about spending quality time with family enjoying a quality brand of ice cream which has been a favourite for generations while raising money for a great cause. 

Once again Tesco Ireland has come on board this year by committing to host HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream parties in their Tesco Extra stores all in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland starting from Friday, May 30th.

Over the past 12 years the HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays campaign has raised more than €3.3million for Down Syndrome Ireland. 

Down Syndrome Ireland hopes to raise as much as €300,000 from the nationwide ice cream campaign this year. which runs during May and June, supported by HB Hazelbrook Farm.  With its work 97pc funded by the generosity of the public and long-term sponsors like HB Hazelbrook Farm DSI funds early childhood programmes, adult literacy, counselling and advocacy and educational advice, and research for parents and children. 

Down Syndrome Ireland celebrates its 44th anniversary this year.  

The organisation which has over 3,000 member families across 25 branches nationwide, is the largest organisation concerned with the welfare of people with a learning disability in Ireland.

For more information on the campaign or the Tesco Extra parties, please call 1890 373737 or go to downsyndrome.ie

History of Hazelbrook Farm

In 1898, William and Margaret Hughes built their new Hazelbrook farmhouse in Rathfarnham. In 1924, their three sons, James, George and William established Ireland’s first dairy factory at Hazelbrook Farm. In 1926, in order to use up the surplus milk and cream that was produced during the spring and summer, the three Hughes Brothers took another momentous decision – they began to manufacture ice cream. From this small, family run operation, Ireland’s favourite ice cream brand, HB, was born.