World MS Day is marked globally on May 30, with this year’s theme focusing on diagnosis.

For many, receiving a multiple sclerosis diagnosis can be life-changing, bringing uncertainty and emotional challenges. Each person’s experience of MS is different, and the condition is often invisible.

Marty Fennell, who lives with MS, is leading “Looping the Loop” — a 50km open-water rowing challenge around Loop Head to raise funds for local MS support. Organised by Loop Head Rowing Club, crews will row from Kilkee around the Loop Head peninsula, past the lighthouse, and on to Carrigaholt along the Shannon Estuary.

Marty joined Derrick Lynch to share his story and highlight the challenge.

We were also joined by John McDonald, regional community worker with MS Ireland, to discuss plans for a new MS Ireland Resource Centre in Limerick.

The centre, which will support people in Clare and North Tipperary, aims to provide a welcoming space focused on improving the well-being of those living with MS and other neurological conditions, and is expected to open later this year.