We are delighted to say we close out Season 1 of Living with MS with a wonderful, informative conversation with Ava Battles, CE of MS Ireland.

We’ll hear about Ava’s journey to leading MS Ireland and how MS Ireland has grown and evolved to meet the real-world needs of the MS community across Ireland.

Ava opens up about her role; the impact MS Ireland is making and the people and stories that drive her work. We also discuss what the future might hold for the MS community in Ireland.

If you or someone you know is affected by MS — or you’re simply curious about what it takes to lead a charity, then this episode is for you. 

The Living with MS Podcast series aims to give a voice to the Irish MS community as our guests share their own personal multiple sclerosis story from diagnosis to today.

Every person with MS has different symptoms, different reactions to being diagnosed, different journeys and this series aims to share those stories every month to hopefully help you get a better understanding of MS.

For more information on MS Ireland and multiple sclerosis go to our website here https://www.ms-society.ie

We would ask you to follow or subscribe to this series wherever you get your podcasts and you will be the first to hear a new episode every month.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Living with MS, the podcast from MS Ireland that shares the real stories, challenges, and triumphs of people across the MS community.

Today, we are chatting with Colette Brooks Cunningham from Sligo, whose partner Liam lives with MS.

We’ve spoken to many people living with MS, but this time we’re hearing from someone supporting a loved one — and that perspective is such an important part of our MS community.

Collette shares her honest experiences, the challenges, and the moments of strength that come from walking this journey together.

Colette also talks about her recent advocacy work with MS Ireland, helping to campaign for a community worker for the Sligo/Leitrim area, and how much she’s gained personally from getting involved.

It’s an open, honest, and inspiring chat that reminds us how MS impacts not just one person, but families, relationships, and communities.

The Living with MS Podcast series aims to give a voice to the Irish MS community as our guests share their own personal multiple sclerosis story from diagnosis to today.

Every person with MS has different symptoms, different reactions to being diagnosed, different journeys and this series aims to share those stories every month to hopefully help you get a better understanding of MS.

For more information on MS Ireland and multiple sclerosis go to our website here https://www.ms-society.ie

We would ask you to follow or subscribe to this series wherever you get your podcasts and you will be the first to hear a new episode every month.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, we are joined by MS Readathon Ambassador Louise Power, a mum of two from Ballina, Co. Mayo, who was diagnosed with MS in 2015.

Louise opens up about her journey, how activism and advocacy have shaped her life, and the incredible support she found through her local MS Ireland branch. She also shares the value of getting involved in community events—like the upcoming MS Ireland National Conference in Cork on 15th November 2025.

Listen to Louise’s inspiring story and her message of connection, growth, and hope for the MS community.

The Living with MS Podcast is a space where we share the real stories of people living with MS across Ireland. Each episode explores personal experiences, practical advice, and the power of community—helping us connect, learn, and support one another.

Learn more about the MS Readathon: msreadathon.ie

Discover details on the MS Ireland National Conference 2025: ms-society.ie/national-conference-2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest this month is the wonderful Hannah Morris-Bankole, who is a new member of the MS Ireland MS & Me Blog team.

Hannah is a mum of 6 children living in Galway and currently doing her PhD in psychology.

Hannah speaks eloquently about bring diagnosed with RRMS in 2013, her journey since then and how her diagnosis influenced her work researching the availability and needs for psychological supports for people with MS in Ireland. 

The Living with MS Podcast series aims to give a voice to the Irish MS community as our guests share their own personal multiple sclerosis story from diagnosis to today.

Every person with MS has different symptoms, different reactions to being diagnosed, different journeys and this series aims to share those stories every month to hopefully help you get a better understanding of MS.

For more information on MS Ireland and multiple sclerosis go to our website here https://www.ms-society.ie

We would ask you to follow or subscribe to this series wherever you get your podcasts and you will be the first to hear a new episode every month.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our third guest on the new Living with MS Podcast is Suzanne Ryder, who currently lives in Tuam, Co. Galway, and hails originally from Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo. Suzanne’s journey is one of deep purpose and resilience. Suzanne is a new member of the MS & Me Blog team and you can read all the MS Ireland blogs here https://www.ms-society.ie/ms-and-me

In 1977, Suzanne joined the Mercy Sisters, dedicating her life to service. She later pursued a degree and Higher Diploma in Education in Maynooth, and after answering the call to serve as a missionary in Peru.

It was during her time in Peru that Suzanne first began to experience symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), which eventually led her to return to Ireland to seek a diagnosis. Remarkably, Suzanne was already familiar with MS—five members of her extended family also live with the condition.

Today, Suzanne shares with us her extraordinary and inspiring story: her mission work, her diagnosis, and how she continues to live a meaningful life with MS.

Listen to Suzanne’s heartfelt reflections and powerful message of courage and hope.

The Living with MS Podcast series aims to give a voice to the Irish MS community as our guests share their own personal multiple sclerosis story from diagnosis to today.

Every person with MS has different symptoms, different reactions to being diagnosed, different journeys and this series aims to share those stories every month to hopefully help you get a better understanding of MS.

For more information on MS Ireland and multiple sclerosis go to our website here https://www.ms-society.ie

We would ask you to follow or subscribe to this series wherever you get your podcasts and you will be the first to hear a new episode every month.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our second guest is the new MS & Me Blogger Paul Batman O'Brien.

Paul Batman O'Brien is a health professional and martial artist who has a passion for supporting people's wellbeing. He has a special interest in supporting people with MS, including his wife, whom he met in 2009.

In 2020, after 14 years of working with MS patients, Paul took on another important case - himself. Using a variety of the mental and physical tools he had used for over a decade with others, he applied them to himself.

He got off his walking stick, qualified for the Irish National Team in 2 martial arts disciplines and represented Ireland at the highest level of International competition.

Today, he runs an award-winning private health practice, teaches regular martial arts classes, hosts a 5-Star reviewed Podcast, is a noted author on a wide ranging topics from A(cupuncture) to Z(en) philosophy, has lectured on a variety of topics at Dublin City University, University College Dublin, Rehab Care etc and provided martial arts demonstrations for His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan, Former Taoiseachs, Ministers of State, Health, etc.

Paul fundamentally believes that Empowerment begins with Education and is on a personal mission to change the negative narrative surrounding MS and promote curiosity, creativity and discovery to enable those with MS to lead full, exciting and downright awesome lives.

The Living with MS Podcast series aims to give a voice to the Irish MS community as our guests share their own personal multiple sclerosis story from diagnosis to today.

Every person with MS has different symptoms, different reactions to being diagnosed, different journeys and this series aims to share those stories every month to hopefully help you get a better understanding MS.

For more information on MS Ireland and multiple sclerosis go to our website here https://www.ms-society.ie

We would ask you to follow or subscribe to this series wherever you get your podcasts and you will be the first to hear a new episode every month.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check out episode one of the brand new MS Ireland Podcast monthly series "Living with MS" with our first guest Shirley Keane O'Brien who is a new member of MS Ireland's MS & Me Blog team and previously was an ambassador for the MS Readathon.

The Living with MS Podcast series aims to give a voice to the Irish MS community as our guests share their own personal multiple sclerosis story from diagnosis to today.

Every person with MS has different symptoms, different reactions to being diagnosed, different journeys and this series aims to share those stories every month to hopefully help you get a better understanding MS.

For more information on MS Ireland and multiple sclerosis go to our website here https://www.ms-society.ie

We would ask you to follow or subscribe to this series wherever you get your podcasts and you will be the first to hear a new episode every month.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check out episode one of the brand new MS Ireland Podcast series "Living with MS" with our first guest Shirley Keane O'Brien this World MS Day on Friday 30th May. Shirley is a new member of MS Ireland's MS & Me Blog team and previously was an ambassador for the MS Readathon.

The Living with MS Podcast series aims to give a voice to the Irish MS community as our guests share their own personal multiple sclerosis story from diagnosis to today.

For more information on MS Ireland and multiple sclerosis go to our website here https://www.ms-society.ie

We would ask you to follow or subscribe to this series wherever you get your podcasts and you will be the first to hear a new episode every month.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.