Billy received his award at a special ceremony held during the MS Ireland National Conference 2026 in Galway, where his contribution to the MS community was celebrated.
Billy has been a dedicated advocate for people living with MS, particularly in his home county of Westmeath. Through his involvement in local events, coffee mornings, fundraising campaigns and awareness initiatives, he has worked tirelessly to support others living with the condition and encourage greater understanding of MS.
A passionate campaigner for disability rights, Billy regularly engages with local politicians to highlight accessibility issues and advocate for improvements in his community. He has also raised significant funds for MS Ireland, including €17,000 through the May 50K challenge.
In 2022, Billy opened his own music school, combining his passion for music with his determination to continue pursuing his goals while living with MS. Music has also become an important outlet for him in managing the emotional challenges of the condition.
Billy was one of MS Ireland's ambassadors for World MS Day 2026, sharing his personal journey as part of the MS Journeys: Many Faces, One Community campaign. Speaking about living with MS, Billy said:
"Be kind to yourself and go with the flow. MS is an unforgiving condition that has taken so much away from me, but has unlocked my potential in other ways."
Congratulating Billy and acknowledging the contributions of all those nominated for this year's awards, Mary McKeon, Chairperson of MS Ireland, said:
"All of the nominees this year are worthy of awards, and it is very difficult to select overall winners from such a terrific group of nominees. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful MS community, where so many people do outstanding work, day in and day out, all around the country."
Billy's award recognises not only his fundraising and advocacy work but also the encouragement and support he provides to others living with MS. His commitment to raising awareness, promoting accessibility and supporting his local MS community makes him a deserving recipient of the 2026 award.
Read more about Billy's MS journey: Billy Gilleran – World MS Day 2026