Leitrim woman inspires the nation with powerful message on living with MND

Leitrim woman Maeve Kilgannon inspired many across the nation with her appearance on Ireland AM on Thursday, March 20 where she spoke with presenters Alan Hughes and Muireann O’Connell about living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

She was also joined by Professor Orla Hardiman from Research Motor Neurone.

Maeve, who resides in Kinlough, was diagnosed with MND three years ago at age 56. She shared her journey leading up to her diagnosis, how she came to terms with it and the importance of embracing life despite the challenges.

Prof. Hardiman explained that MND is a neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. She noted that the condition manifests differently in each person, with multiple subtypes, and that it remains incurable.

Maeve bravely recounted the moment she realised something was wrong when she began losing strength in her hands and struggled with tasks like buttoning clothes or using a house key.

After undergoing numerous tests, it took two years to receive a diagnosis. “I thought this is it, and I knew very little about motor neurone so I thought I have only two or three years to live,” she told the presenters.

Her perspective changed after visiting the clinic at Beaumont Hospital. 

'It's all about giving a little something back' Kinlough woman organises coffee morning to raise funds for Motor Neurone

Kinlough woman, Maeve Kilgannon, has organised a coffee morning to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease Charities in Ireland which takes place on the 5th of December.

“With the support I got I learned differently. I’m a different person now I just live my life. I have motor neurone but it hasn’t got me.”

Maeve also highlighted a fundraiser - a coffee morning and a draw - that she and her family organised in Kinlough in November, raising over €24,000 for Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Research Motor Neurone.

For her, the focus is on turning her diagnosis into something positive. She hopes to show that even with a life changing condition, it’s possible to live fully.

“Anybody who’s diagnosed with it shouldn’t hide away, get out and get support from the medical team and get out and live your life,” she advised.

Having lived in Dromahair for 32 years, Maeve, along with Prof. Hardiman, expressed gratitude to the communities of Kinlough and Dromahair for their support of MND research.

Prof. Hardiman emphasised that people with MND should focus on the present rather than thinking too far into the future, calling Maeve a “fantastic example” of that mindset.

“My piece of advice to anyone with MND is to live your life. You may have MND but don’t let it have you,” Maeve concluded.

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