Dublin camogie star Emma O’Byrne encourages everyone to sign up for MS Ireland’s May 50K

Dublin camogie player and May 50K ambassador Emma O’Byrne is encouraging as many people as possible of all abilities and ages to take up MS Ireland’s month-long May 50K fitness challenge in the run-up to World MS Day on 30 May.

“It can be as simple as going for a walk or a run — even if you’re just out walking the dog, you can log the distance on your phone, and that’s all it takes.

I’d really encourage as many people as possible to get involved. It’s a fantastic cause, and it would be amazing to see strong support and participation throughout May.”

“There are real benefits to staying active — not just for your physical health, but for your mental wellbeing too.

“Even something as simple as going for a walk can leave you feeling so much better afterwards.

“I’ve seen it first-hand with my own mum — she never played sports growing up, but recently she’s joined the local gym, started walking more, and even got involved with a local GAA for mum’s group.

“It just goes to show that no matter what age you are, incorporating some movement into your day, however small, can make a big difference to both your body and your mind.

“Honestly, without sport or some kind of activity, I feel a bit lost. Being active has always been part of who I am, and I really appreciate that now. It’s not just about health — it’s about enjoying yourself too.”

Emma has spoken about her injuries last year before her return to fitness and form, which ended in an All-Star nomination.

“I was out last year from the Dublin Camogie squad with health-related injuries, and it was tough, not just physically but mentally as well. It all ties together.

“You start to feel this itch to get back to it — not necessarily loneliness, but a real hunger to return to playing or even just to go for a jog, something simple like that.

“When your ability to be active is taken away, you really begin to appreciate it so much more.

“Whether it’s a serious health issue or a more typical injury, it makes you value your health in a whole new way.

“Honestly, if you’d told me the year before that it would all happen, I’d have thought you were mad if you said I’d get an All Star nomination.

“But it turned out to be really motivating — it made me appreciate being able to play at the highest level and train hard when I could.

“I definitely used that as my motivation last year, and I’m trying to keep that drive going this year too. It really does make you appreciate your sport, and just being active in general.”

Emma is always conscious of being a role model for future camogie players when playing for Dublin.

“Especially when you see younger girls coming up through camogie, you know they really look up to the team — they’re always at matches, watching closely, and in a way, they’re preparing to take your place someday.

“So it’s always in the back of our minds that we want to leave the jersey in a better place for those coming after us.

“We’re all very aware of that responsibility, and we’re incredibly proud to be playing at this level.”

“I’ve always been quite active, even as a kid. My parents really encouraged me, and growing up, there was always something to do — playing football on the road or just being outside.

“That kind of environment definitely helped me, especially from a health perspective. Looking back, I’d say it’s made a real difference to my long-term wellbeing.”

“That is why I am supporting MS Ireland’s May 50K Challenge.  Not only will taking part in this challenge help support the vital services provided by MS Ireland, but from a health viewpoint it will also really benefit those taking part.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the May 50K Challenge.”

The My 50K is a global fitness and fundraising challenge to raise money for MS research worldwide and help fund a variety of different information, support, advocacy and services in Ireland including the National MS Care Centre.

The premise is simple: walk, roll or run 50 kilometres during May in return for sponsorship.

Take part on your own, create a family team or get your workplace involved. It’s a virtual event and can be done anywhere.

There are over 10,000 people in Ireland living with multiple sclerosis.

Every step you take, every kilometre you clock, helps people get access to the treatment they need today and provide vital funding for international research into MS.

30% of all funds raised go towards funding life-changing MS research and 70% goes to local services and supports in Ireland.

All fundraising is done through the website www.themay50k.ie, where people can log their KM’s, hook up to their fitness devices and blog their way through the month.”