MS Ireland’s 2013 AGM was held as part of the National Meeting Day on Saturday, 28th September at the Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit, Galway. One of the many highlights of the day was the election of three board members: Patrick Bannon, Council's Representative on the Board, Edel O'Kelly and the re-election of Manfred Huschka.
On 30 November 2013 Sarah Dempsey and Marcella Flood were co-opted to the Board until the next AGM in 2014 when they will stand for election by the members.
Joe Cahill and Sean Murphy stepped down from the Board and we would like to thank them for their diligent and passionate service to the Board of MS Ireland. Sean was and will continue to be a vital volunteer in the Cork City voluntary Branch and Joe, an ex health services employee and consultant, will continue to support the work of MS Ireland.
MS Ireland is governed by a board of 12 voluntary members. Some have MS themselves or have family members with MS. Others have long careers in business, social services and other areas. The Board promotes the vision and aims of the Society and charges the Chief Executive to meet these aims through the various departments, services and resources of the Society.
Edel O' Kelly
Edel’s mother was diagnosed with MS in the 1980’s and Edel believes that the combination of her family experience of MS combined with her particular expertise would enable her to make a positive contribution to the work of MS Ireland.
Paddy Bannon
Since his diagnosis in 1989, Paddy has engaged with the MS. Leaving his employment with Irish Life, he has worked in adult education including the National Learning Network and the National Universities of Maynooth and Galway. He has enjoyed these and benefitted from the personal learning and the professional experience involved.
Marcella Flood
Marcella is a Director in the operations group at Microsoft Ireland. She is keen to contribute to the Societies aims of supporting those living with MS to live positive and active lives. She is a passionate people manager with over 25 years' experience in Financial Services, Operations and Technology.
Sarah Dempsey
Sarah Dempsey is Head of Group Corporate Affairs and Economics in Ulster Bank, working across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. She holds a BA in Sociology and French from Trinity College Dublin.