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

Galway Support Manager, Family Carers Ireland

Ronah Corcoran-O’Reilly is the Galway Support Manager with Family Carers Ireland, where she provides information, support and advocacy to family carers. With a background in social care, training and holistic health, she has a particular interest in resilience, self-care and emotional wellbeing. Ronah has delivered workshops and wellbeing programmes focused on stress management, mindfulness and self-care, empowering carers to prioritise their own health and wellbeing while continuing to support their loved ones. 

Session: The Resilient Carer

Clinical Specialist Dietitian in Community Neurorehabilitation

Lucy O’Donovan is a Clinical Specialist Dietitian in Community Neurorehabilitation, supporting people living with neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis. She has worked across acute and community healthcare settings in Ireland and the UK, with a particular interest in neurorehabilitation. Lucy recently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Leadership at RCSI and contributes to research and service improvement initiatives. She is passionate about helping people make realistic, evidence-based changes to their diet and lifestyle. 

Session: Nutrition for MS

Information Officer, MS Ireland

Samantha McCarthy is the Information Officer with MS Ireland. She helps people living with MS, their families and health professionals find clear, reliable and easy-to-understand information about MS and everyday wellbeing.

Samantha has a background in adult education, community wellbeing, health promotion and holistic health. She is also a yoga teacher with experience in gentle movement, breathwork and practices that support balance, mobility and stress management. Her work focuses on making wellbeing tools simple, practical and suitable for people at all stages of MS.

Session: Supporting Your Body Through Rest, Movement, Self-Care and Connection