News

Why the MS Readathon reminds us that the best school lessons are often about more than books. There is something magical about watching a child discover a love of reading.

Researchers at University College Cork are seeking young adults living with MS (aged 18–30) to take part in research into emotional wellbeing. The study is investigating factors that promote emotional wellbeing and mental health in young people living with MS. Participants are invited to complete an online survey as part of the research.

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin are interviewing people living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) to better understand their experiences of communication challenges and support needs.

We are currently seeking people living with MS in Ireland to take part in an anonymous survey to explore experiences and support needs in relation to mental health.

Westmeath man Billy Gilleran has been named MS Ireland Person of the Year 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the MS community, his fundraising efforts and his commitment to raising awareness of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Stephen Fitzpatrick, living in Killorglin, has been named MS Ireland Volunteer of the Year 2026 for his role in developing a nationwide sailing programme that has given 51 people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) the opportunity to take to the water this year.


 

Irish 15-year-olds can, on paper, feel reassured. The OECD's latest PISA report was the largest of its kind, covering 91 countries and economies and ranks Ireland first in the EU for reading, third for science and fourth for maths. But sit inside that good news is a warning the report itself doesn't shy away from: globally, reading scores have fallen by 28 points since 2015, the steepest decline of any of the three core skills measured, and the share of "hasty readers", students who rush through a text and guess rather than think, has nearly doubled since 2018.

The MS Ireland National Conference 2026 – Living Well with MS: Managing MS, Building Communities takes place this Saturday, 17 October, at the Clayton Hotel, Galway.

If you can't attend in person, you can still be part of the day! Join us online from 10am as we bring you talks and expert insights on brain health, mental wellbeing, nutrition and cognition.

In this episode of the Living with MS Podcast, we are joined by Deborah Cuddihy, an Irish primary school teacher, children’s author and MS Readathon 2026 Ambassador, who has been living in Dubai since 2016.

The MS Ireland National Conference is coming to Galway this October, bringing together people living with multiple sclerosis, their families, carers, healthcare professionals and experts for a day focused on living well with MS.

The conference, entitled “Living Well with MS: Managing MS, Building Communities”, will take place on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at the Clayton Hotel Galway from 9am to 4.45pm.

The event will feature expert speakers, practical information and opportunities for people affected by MS to meet, share experiences and connect with others.