Limerick man shares his story for World MS Day

FOR LIMERICK resident, Declan McCarthy, World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day is about one powerful word - “connection”.

Castletroy Park Hotel will be hosting an event for World MS Day from 10.30am to 1pm this Wednesday to provide information, advice, resources and an opportunity for community connection. The event is open to people living with MS, along with family members and supporters.

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Guest speakers will include Dr Andrew Lockhart, Consultant Neurologist at University Hospital Limerick, who will speak about new and emerging treatments in MS, and Aisling O’Grady, Dietitian at University Hospital Limerick, who will discuss nutrition and diet for people with MS.

MS Ireland is marking World MS Day 2026 through its national campaign, MS Journeys: Many Faces, One Community.

The campaign is sharing stories from people living with MS across Ireland throughout May, highlighting the strength, resilience and support found within the MS community.

Declan’s story is being shared as part of the campaign.

Diagnosed at the age of 28, he describes living with MS in honest terms as “challenging, exhausting and at times debilitating”.

His diagnosis changed the course of his life and reshaped how he sees himself and the world around him. Over time, Declan learned that MS is not something a person should have to carry alone.

“I quickly realised this is not something I can do by myself … it made me a more open person,” he said.

The support of family has been central to Declan’s journey. “I married the love of my life and we have two kids,” he said.

One of the most difficult and often misunderstood symptoms for Declan is fatigue. He says: “The word tired just does not cover it. It is its own force.” His message to others living with MS is simple: “You are not alone.”

To register your interest, contact the Mid-West Regional Team by emailing [email protected].