Tipperary man is chosen as the face of MS for Ireland's World MS Day campaign

Tipperary man Paul Tierney, the chairman of the South Tipperary MS Ireland Branch is one of the chosen “faces” for MS Ireland’s World MS Day campaign on next week.

The theme of the Faces of MS exhibition featuring Fethard's Paul Tierney in the St Stephen’s Green Centre in Dublin in partnership with Novartis is to highlight and challenge the perceptions of what people living with MS look like and are capable of. 

MS Ireland is commemorating World MS Day with an exhibition of portraits of eight members of the MS community as part of MS Ireland’s schedule of events marking the international awareness day all over Ireland.  

World MS Day on May 30 every year aims to raise awareness and support for people living with Multiple Sclerosis, the most common debilitating neurological condition affecting young adults in Ireland. This day of celebration brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness and campaign for everyone affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis is different for each person impacted by it. They experience different symptoms, with different degrees of severity for different amounts of time. There is no one way to "have" MS, there is no one way to live with MS. The aim of the exhibition is to showcase a range of experiences so people will better understand that MS is a very individual condition. 

Describing his MS diagnosis, Paul said: “I was diagnosed with MS in 2013 at the age of 21. I live on a farm with my family in Tipperary. My story is a bit different to most or all. I began experiencing groin / hip problems and was referred by my GP to Whitfield where I underwent surgery. Soon after, I underwent a balance test and the surgeon wasn’t satisfied with my balance and coordination. They referred me to a neurologist in Dublin. 

“Soon after, I was given the news that I had MS. I remember being asked if I had heard of MS before. I said no. After receiving the news, I remember feeling numb. I was unaccepting of the diagnosis and hid it from friends for some time.  Once I did accept it and shared news of my diagnosis with friends it weirdly felt like a massive relief. It removed the strain and energy I was using up hiding the diagnosis. 

“One challenge I have faced is having to adapt my sporting life. I miss playing and competing in rugby and GAA. However, I have found alternatives like volunteering at Parkruns and coaching yoga - something I never would have done before. When I think back, I realise the inner strength I had.  

“My advice to those diagnosed is not to dwell and to try to stay as positive as possible. I have found the family support and new people I have met due to MS a bonus. From those I have met in south Tipperary to those I have met in the national MS Care Centre in Bushy Park and further afield, I have enjoyed getting to know new people and that has been a benefit in my view."