Community
10 Questions with Limerick blogger Michelle McNulty
Michelle McNulty began blogging on her Instagram account during the first lockdown and has almost 7k followers. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick
10 Questions with Limerick blogger Michelle McNulty
By I Love Limerick Correspondent Ann Mc Donald
Michelle has done a lot of work with charities and has organised a 10K run in aid of Clare’s Wish Foundation in Hospital, Co. Limerick on Sunday, December 5. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
Michelle Mc Nulty is a proud Limerick woman and a marketing executive with Alexandra Dental. She has almost 7k followers on her Instagram where she promotes healthy lifestyles, fashion, and shares about being a mother. She is also a mental health awareness advocate and openly speaks about her own battle with mental health issues.
She is a keen volunteer for local charities, and organises annual fundraisers for charities. During the pandemic, Michelle McNulty ran a half marathon in her local area and raised over €3,500 for Milford Hospice. On Sunday, December 5, she will be holding a 10k run in Hospital, Limerick, in aid of Clares Wish Foundation. This charity helps grant final wishes to adults with terminal illnesses.
What was your childhood like and where did you grow up?
I grew up in Martinstown Co.Limerick and went to school In Kilfinane. I come from a rural, farming background and had a brilliant childhood. I come from a big family who were heavily involved in GAA, greyhound racing and other community activities.
What was it like getting married and having a baby in the pandemic?
Getting married in the pandemic was very different to what we had planned initially. We were supposed to get married in Costa Blanca in Spain but the world went into lockdown one month before the wedding was supposed to happen. Thankfully we didn’t postpone the wedding, we cancelled it and chose to get married here in Limerick instead. We had a small intimate wedding at the Mustard Seed in Ballingarry. We had only 10 people including ourselves, it was nicer than I ever could have imagined. 11 months later we welcomed baby Darragh. It was such an exciting and busy year and a half for us. The pandemic was overshadowed by so much joy & celebration.
What inspired you to start posting openly on Instagram?
I think it was the lack of social interaction during the first lockdown that made me start sharing on my personal page. As part of my role in Alexandra Dental, I spoke on camera to promote the various treatments we provided so that gave me a boost of confidence & experience speaking on camera. It was intimidating at the start but I wanted to be a voice for both women & men of my demographic. I felt people would benefit from seeing a real/ everyday/ local person on Instagram. As I got more involved I found that I thoroughly enjoyed sharing and I received such a positive response from my followers.
What is your overall message on social media?
I think my overall message is to encourage people to just be themselves and go after the things they love!! I post a lot of motivational content to encourage people to step out of their comfort zones and start living the life they would if they weren’t worried about failure or of other people’s opinions.
Instagram can be a very fake/ unrealistic environment if you follow accounts that have no relevance in your life. I want people to know there are genuine, real positive influencers on Instagram who can offer value to their followers.
Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to start posting more openly online?
Yes, my advice would be to just go for it. Once you are doing it for the right reasons. Find your niche, create content based on things you actually like and stay true to yourself.
Only put as much of yourself out there as you can handle, you can still have a personal life that no one knows anything about while being an influencer. I think it’s important to keep some of yourself for you.
When did you start getting involved with local charities?
I’m quite fortunate to have done quite a bit of travelling. I think this really opened up my eyes as to how privileged we are as Irish citizens. I think giving back is massively rewarding and a stark reminder of how fortunate we are. I have been involved in local fundraising efforts in county Limerick for over 10 years.
Can you tell us a little about your upcoming 10k run in aid of Clare’s Wish Foundation on Sunday, December 5?
Yes, I am the brand ambassador with Clare’s Wish Foundation. They grant final wishes for adults with terminal illnesses. I am also a keen runner and love taking part in 10Ks. The event will take place here in Hospital, Co.Limerick, my local runners route. It has been incredibly well-received with over 70 runners signed up. All proceeds will go directly to Clares Wish. I am hoping to make the 10k an annual event and to help fundraise for various local charities.
What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?
Definitely becoming a mother. It’s the most challenging and wonderful experience of my life. It puts everything into perspective. The love and happiness you feel for this tiny human is beyond comprehension.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
God only knows!! Probably training an under 6s hurling team or a branch leader of the local Boy Scouts. As my son gets older I’d like to become more involved in my local community.
My husband always says I’d make a great T.D. so I might get into politics one day and represent my local constituency.. look out Willie O’Dea!
And lastly, what do you love most about Limerick?
Definitely the people. Limerick people are just the best! We have such pride in our county. I think the Riverfest has been a great example of that! The city is buzzing with energy and atmosphere! So welcoming, it’s Limerick and Limerick people at their best.
To join Michelle McNulty 10k run in aid of Clares Wish Foundation go HERE
For more 10 Questions stories go HERE
Bedford Row Family Support Project celebrates 25 years as a beacon of hope to Limerick families
Irish Chamber Orchestra’s ICO Schools comes to University Concert Hall on May 15
‘The power of pyjamas!’ – Limerick children raise over €10,000 for autism support and eco-education initiatives
Na Piarsaigh GAA Club to fly high for abseil fundraiser
10 Questions with Limerick writer/filmmaker Shane Vaughan of Big Shots
Broadford community comes together to support Carol Liston O’Connor following Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis
PHOTOS Limerick creatives come together for A Special Night for Gaza fundraiser at Dolans, Sunday, April 7
Celebration of verse as April is Poetry Month in Limerick
Paul Dunworth releases ‘The House of Donn’ concluding a trilogy of EPs
