National Conference 2026

Consultant Neurologist, University Hospital Limerick

Dr Andrew Lockhart is a consultant neurologist at University Hospital Limerick with a special interest in Multiple Sclerosis. Having completed medical school and neurology training in Ireland, he spent three years as a Multiple Sclerosis Fellow at the John Radcliffe Hospital, where he completed a PhD. His research centred on investigating post-mortem tissue from people with MS to better understand the mechanisms driving progressive disease and nerve cell loss.

Session: The Long Game: Brain Health & Ageing in MS

Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Maynooth University

Dr Rebecca Maguire (CPsychol.) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Maynooth University and a person living with multiple sclerosis. Her research focuses on the impact of chronic illness on patients and their families. She began conducting research in MS in 2019, inspired by her own experience and the growing role of public and patient involvement (PPI) in research. She is currently principal investigator of the HRB-funded PROMISE project, in partnership with MS Ireland.

Session: Supporting Mental Health in People with MS – Panel Discussion

Associate Professor and Head of Discipline of Occupational Therapy, University of Galway

Dr Sinéad Hynes is an Associate Professor and Head of Discipline of Occupational Therapy at the University of Galway. She is Principal Investigator of the Cognitive Occupation-Based programme for people with MS (COB-MS) definitive trial. Her research focuses on developing and evaluating innovative, evidence-based rehabilitation approaches that deliver real-world benefits and embed patient and public involvement at every stage.

Session: Targeting Cognition to Improve Daily Life

CORU-Registered Occupational Therapist

Hannah Bergin is a CORU-registered Occupational Therapist with experience across hospital, community, neurorehabilitation and research settings. She currently works on the COB-MS trial at the University of Galway, delivering cognitive rehabilitation for people living with multiple sclerosis. Hannah also runs a private occupational therapy practice, providing neurological and cognitive rehabilitation, fatigue management and return-to-work support. She has a particular interest in helping people understand and manage the cognitive changes associated with multiple sclerosis.

Session: Targeting Cognition to Improve Daily Life