National Conference 2025
National Conference 2025
Friday 14 & Saturday 15 November 2025 · Cork International Hotel, Cork
Living with MS: Conversations on Care, Connection and Mental Health
Friday 14 & Saturday 15 November 2025 · Cork International Hotel, Cork
This year’s National Conference focuses on care, connection, and mental health. Across talks, workshops, and discussions, you’ll gain practical insights, hear from leading experts, and connect with others who understand the journey.
Join us for two special days: a Gala Dinner on Friday evening, followed by the full National Conference on Saturday. You can book to attend both the dinner and conference or either.
Scroll down to explore the full conference programme, meet our speakers, and find out how to register.
Gala Dinner — Friday 14 November
7:00 pm till late: Drinks reception, gala dinner, National Awards, and live entertainment. A chance to celebrate, connect, and unwind.
Conference Agenda — Saturday 15 November
09:00 — Registration open and refreshments
10:00 — Welcome address
10:10–11:30 — Living with MS: Psychological Adjustments in a Changing Body — Dr. Rona Moss-Morris
11:30–11:40 — Movement break
11:45–12:45 — Think It, Plan It, Do It: The Power of Goal Setting — Judith Spring
12:50–14:30 — Lunch
14:30–15:30 — Parallel Sessions (delegates select their preferred option):
- Sexuality & MS: Changing Perspectives — Mary Leonard
- A Holistic Approach to Managing MS Fatigue, Mental Health and Thinking Skills — Dr. Fiadhnait O’Keeffe
- The Resilient Carer — An Interactive Workshop for Carers — Jackie Keogh
- Moving Minds: The Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity in MS — Dr. Susan Coote
15:40–16:30 — Understanding MS Treatments: A Look at the Latest Developments — Professor Simon Cronin
16:30–16:40 — Close
Register for National Conference 2025
Be part of Living with MS: Conversations on Care, Connection and Mental Health — two days of connection, learning, and celebration in Cork.
ACCOMMODATION
Attendees are responsible for booking their own accommodation. We recommend booking early to secure the special rates below:
You should quote ‘MS Ireland’ in your booking to avail of the following rates:
B&B Double/Twin rate €175
B&B Single rate €165
Get in touch
If you have any queries contact Wendy Knott
Call 021 4300001 or Email nationalconference@ms-society.ie
Meet our speakers
We’re delighted to welcome an inspiring lineup of speakers to the MS Ireland National Conference 2025. Join us on 15th November at the Cork International Hotel to hear from leading experts, researchers, and professionals who will share insights, experiences, and practical advice to support the MS community.
Dr Rona Moss-Morris
Professor of Psychology as Applied to Medicine, King’s College London
Talk title: Living with MS: Psychological Adjustments in a Changing Body
Dr Rona Moss-Morris has over 30 years of research experience on how psychological factors influence living with chronic health conditions, including MS. Her work has helped shape cognitive behavioural and digital therapies to better support people with MS. She is a recipient of multiple awards for her contributions to health psychology and MS research.
Professor Simon Cronin
Consultant Neurologist, Cork University Hospital, Honorary Clinical Professor, University College Cork
Talk title: Understanding MS Treatments: A Look at the Latest Developments
Professor Simon Cronin has extensive experience in neurogenetics and neurodegenerative disorders, with specialist interests in multiple sclerosis, neurovascular neurology, and patient-centred neurological care. He has trained and conducted research in Ireland, the UK, and the US, including a PhD on genomics in neurodegenerative disease during a Muscular Dystrophy Association Research Fellowship.
Judith Spring
Personal, Executive, and Wellbeing Coach
Talk title: Think It, Plan It, Do It: The Power of Goal Setting
Judith Spring has over 30 years of senior leadership experience in engineering, supply chain, and operations. She works with individuals and teams to build confidence, enhance leadership skills, and strengthen collaboration. A Professional Certified Coach with the ICF, Judith teaches at Kingstown College and has a particular interest in the link between neuroscience and coaching.
Parallel Sessions
(Delegates select their preferred option)
Alongside our main conference sessions, delegates can choose from the following focused workshops and talks:
Dr Fiadhnait O’Keeffe
Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist, Cork University Hospital
Session: A Holistic Approach to Managing MS Fatigue, Mental Health and Thinking Skills
Dr Fiadhnait O’Keeffe is a Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist at Cork University Hospital, specialising in the psychological and cognitive aspects of neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis. Her work focuses on helping people manage fatigue, mental health, and thinking skills as part of a holistic approach to living well with MS. She has a particular interest in how cognitive rehabilitation and wellbeing strategies can support quality of life for people with MS and their families.
Dr Susan Coote
Exercise and Physiotherapy Coordinator, MS Ireland
Adjunct Clinical Professor, University of Limerick
Session: Moving Minds: The Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity in MS
Dr Susan Coote is the Exercise and Physiotherapy Coordinator at MS Ireland and an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the University of Limerick. She leads MS Ireland’s physiotherapy and exercise programmes, translating research into practical supports for people living with MS.
Her work focuses on how physical activity can reduce depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline in MS, while improving wellbeing and resilience.