Declan McCarthy – Limerick | MS Journeys
For Declan McCarthy from Limerick, World MS Day comes down to one powerful word: connection.
“Connection.”
For Declan, World MS Day is an important reminder that nobody living with MS is alone. It is a chance to recognise the shared understanding, support and solidarity that can make such a difference in people’s lives.
Diagnosed at the age of 28, Declan describes living with MS in honest terms.
“Challenging, exhausting and at times debilitating.”
His diagnosis changed the course of his life and reshaped how he sees himself and the world around him. Over time, he has learned that MS is not something a person can carry alone.
“I quickly realised this is not something I can do by myself… it made me a more open person.”
That openness has become an important part of his journey. While MS has brought significant challenges, it has also helped him build deeper connections and approach life differently.
The support of family has been central to that journey.
“I married the love of my life… and we have two kids.”
At the heart of his experience is fatigue, one of the most difficult and often misunderstood symptoms of MS.
“The word tired just does not cover it. It is its own force.”
That exhaustion can shape daily life, yet it is not always visible to others. Like many people living with MS, Declan knows what it is to manage symptoms that others may not see or fully understand.
At the same time, his story is not defined solely by challenge. It is also a story of resilience, perspective and determination.
For Declan, being part of the MS community means knowing that others understand what he is going through.
His message to others living with MS is simple:
“You are not alone.”
Declan’s story is a reminder that while MS can be exhausting and difficult, it does not take away the possibility of love, family, resilience and connection.
Declan’s MS Diagnosis Journey
