World MS Day Press and Media
Here you will find the latest updates, news and media resources related to World MS Day. *For more information, please scroll down on the following page.
Aoife Kirwan's Journey on the Podcast
In celebration of World MS Day, MS Ireland's Information Officer Aoife Kirwan appeared on the "A Wonder Care" Podcast Living with... Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
In this episode the podcast chatted to Aoife Kirwan about her MS diagnosis and how that has had an impact on her life.
Deise Today show on WLR FM
Deise Today, Damien Tiernan was joined live in studio by Deirdre Growney, MS Ireland Community Worker and Carlo Ustiani, Waterford Branch Treasurer.
Health and Fitness Show on Midlands 103
David Heavin, Midlands 103 was joined live in studio by Mary Leonard, MS Ireland Community worker and Majella Heavin (living with MS).
The Tommy Marren MidWest Radio Show
Tommy Marren, on Mid West Radio was joined live in the studio by Continence Nurse Laura Horgan. Highlighting the upcoming World MS Day information event 'managing continence with MS'
Irish Independent: Martine Brangan
‘I had warning signs for decades but was dismissed by doctors’ – retired librarian on finally getting her multiple sclerosis diagnosis
Martine Brangan (63) was diagnosed last year, after first getting symptoms in her mid-20s.
*You will need a subscription to read this article
Wicklow/Bray People
MS Writers Group (previously Greystones Scribblers) was established by East-Wicklow branch of MS Ireland in 2012 and were the first and currently only Multiple Sclerosis-affected writers’ group in Ireland.
Red FM
Declan Groeger featured on the Neil Prendeville Show on Red FM to mark World MS Day. The interview, starting at the 130-minute mark!
The KCLR Daily
Ahead of World MS Day, The KCLR Daily show was joined by Miriam Gray, Regional Community Worker for Carlow and Kilkenny.
The Irish Sun: Stephen Comiskey
Dubliner Stephen Comiskey, dismissed his blurred vision and headaches as simply being from stress - before doctors diagnosed Stephen with multiple sclerosis.
Clare FM Morning Focus
Clare FM Morning Focus interview with Shirley Keane O'Brien, living with MS and John Mc Donald, MS Ireland Community Worker.
RTE Radio na Gaeltealta
Eist ar Tríona Ní Ráinne, oifigeach forbartha MS Ireland ag labhairt faoi lá domhanda MS ar RTE Radio na Gaeltealta.
iRadio
Louise Power, living with MS from Ballina on iRadio news bulletins raising awareness for World MS Day.
Limerick Today Show on Live 95
To mark World MS Day, Mary McCusker, MS Ireland National Services Development Coordinator and Mary Devereux from the MS community were on the Limerick Today Show on Live 95 Today to discuss Multiple Sclerosis.
MS Ireland is proud to announce their program for World MS Day on May 30, under the theme of 'Diagnosis.' This global event aims to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and provide a platform for individuals affected by MS to share their unique diagnosis stories.
- Letter-Writing Initiative: The MS community write letters about their MS diagnosis experiences, sharing them on social media.
- Information Event: Discussions on the uncertainty of MS diagnoses, featuring experts in neurology and psychology, and personal stories.
- Dip for Diagnosis Campaign: Encouraging 10,000 people to take a dip in water all over Ireland to symbolise the 10,000 people living with MS in Ireland.
- Annual Coffee Mornings: Hosted at the MS Care Centre Dublin and further events throughout Ireland.
- Leinster House Briefing: Presentation of the 'My MS My Needs' survey findings to raise awareness among elected officials.
- Lighting of Heritage Sites: Illuminating sites across Ireland in red to show solidarity with the MS community.
This year’s campaign encourages people living with MS to write letters about their diagnosis experiences. These letters can be addressed to their past or future selves, family, healthcare providers, or policymakers, offering a personal perspective on the emotional challenges faced during diagnosis.
Ava Battles, CEO of MS Ireland, stated, “World MS Day is a powerful reminder of the journey faced by over 10,000 people living with MS in Ireland. This year's theme, 'diagnosis', underscores a critical and deeply emotional milestone for many.
“To mark this, we are launching a letter-writing initiative, supported by Novartis, to provide a platform for those living with MS to share their unique diagnosis stories. We are kickstarting this campaign by sharing six powerful letters, written by members of the MS community. We encourage our community to join in, express their thoughts on their own social platforms, and tag MS Ireland on social media at 9:30am, 1:30pm, or 5pm on World MS Day.
“In the lead-up to World MS Day, MS Ireland will hold a briefing at Leinster House to highlight the findings of the 'My MS My Needs' survey. This session is crucial for raising awareness among elected officials about the challenges faced by the MS community and garnering their support. We are committed to ensuring that the voices of those living with MS are heard and that their needs are met by our policymakers.
“We are also hosting an information event, supported by Novartis, to explore the uncertainty that often accompanies an MS diagnosis. This event will feature expert insights from neurology and psychology as well as a personal perspective on moving forward in life after challenges, including an MS diagnosis.
“We are also hosting a Dip for Diagnosis on World MS Day all over Ireland and we are hoping to get 10,000 people to Dip for Diagnosis to represent the 10,000 people living with MS in Ireland. We are asking people to join us for a Dip on World MS Day – whether it’s a dip in the sea, river, lake, pool or a cold shower and raise funds and awareness for vital services for the MS Community.”
MS Ireland will also host various events all over Ireland, including the annual coffee morning at the MS Care Centre in Dublin. Heritage sites across Ireland will light up in red to show solidarity with the MS community on World MS Day.
For more information, visit MS Ireland's World MS Day 2024 page