Speakers at the North West Career Fest

Speaker 1
Professor Patrick Pollock
Head of Department of Veterinary Medicine at ATU

Professor Patrick Pollock is a globally recognised equine surgeon and educator, bringing decades of experience to the role of Head of Department of Veterinary Medicine at ATU. He qualified in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at the University of Glasgow, and went on to achieve a PhD in equine disease and a Master’s Degree from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia in Disaster Medicine and Management. He has led major veterinary hospitals at the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and is the world’s first Professor of Remote and Rural Veterinary Medicine.

Patrick is skilled in surgery, teaching, clinical research and interested in wound healing, poor performance, working equids, wildlife rehabilitation and more. Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons, European and RCVS recognised specialist in equine surgery, Fellow of the RCVS and PhD from the University of Glasgow. Currently working on resilience and performance training for veterinary surgeons, immersive simulation, disaster medicine and management and the large animal rescue initiative.

Speaker 2
John Kelly

The Principal of Ballyhaise Agricultural College will speak about courses they provide

Speaker 1
David Kenny Beyond

David Kenny is the Vice President of Software Development at Bed Bath And Beyond. In this role he manages all aspects of software development for the company with teams in Ireland, the US, India and the Philippines. In 2012 he started what was then Overstock.com first overseas office in Sligo, building the team to a peak of just under 100 technologists. He has previously worked in roles in software development and leadership in ING, HSBC, Hewlett Packard and Socrates Healthcare.

Speaker 2
Catriona Feehily - Computer Engineer with Beyond

Speaker 1
Joe Murray Abbott

Attended Summerhill (a long time ago). B.Eng. In Polymer Engineering >25 years industry experience, primarily within the Medical Device/In-Vitro Diagnostics business. Currently Quality Director for Abbott Core Laboratories Diagnostics in Longford The site manufactures Immunoassay and Clinical Chemistry diagnostic reagents.

The product portfolio includes diagnostic kits for thyroid function, fertility and pregnancy, cardiology, renal and metabolic markers.

In 2026 we will produce ≈ 4.5 billion tests and ship worldwide.

Speaker 2
Ottaline Cawley Phibro

Ottaline Cawley is a Senior Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) at Phibro Animal Health Corporation, where she supports global decision‑making for the company’s manufacturing operations. An accountant by profession, Ottaline has built a diverse career spanning finance leadership, biopharma manufacturing and consulting, with experience at organisations including Accenture, Elanco and Philips across Ireland, the UK and Europe.

She is passionate about developing people, leading cross‑functional teams and showing how careers in science, engineering, manufacturing and business can open doors locally and internationally.

Speaker 1
Fiona Crowe

Dr Fiona Crowe, Head of School of Education Sciences at ATU, based in the St. Angela’s campus. Fiona specialises in teacher education, pedagogy, and curriculum development. She plays a key role in professional development in education and academic leadership, including the development of new programmes. Fiona will talk about what a career in education, particularly post-primary education, can offer.

Speaker 2
Siobhán Buckley

Siobhán is Principal of Ransboro National School, Sligo, and an Associate with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). A past pupil of Ursuline College Sligo, she holds an honours degree in Education and French from St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra, along with postgraduate diplomas in School Leadership and Improvement from the University of Reading, UK, and in Special Educational Needs (Autism) from St. Angela’s College Sligo. Siobhán has taught in the UK, worked as a Maths Advisor with the Department for Education, and served as Headteacher of a large primary school in Hampshire before returning to Ireland in 2001. She has also contributed to national initiatives through her work with the NCCA on the Aistear Framework and as an advisor with the NCSE’s Autism and Behaviour team.

Speaker 1
David Mc Cabe - Central Bank (MT)

David McCabe a Summerhill College past pupil, graduated with First Class Honours from Queens University Belfast in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. He went on to study accountancy and has numerous other post-graduate qualifications and academic awards in engineering, finance, economics and business.

He has pursued a varied career across a variety of professions including engineering, consultancy, investment banking, asset management as well as derivatives trading, risk management and supervision.

Speaker 2
Orla Lee Credit Union

Orla is a seasoned CIMA-qualified executive with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. As the current CEO of North West Credit Union, she has played a pivotal role in shaping and executing a forward-thinking vision that balances long-term financial sustainability with operational excellence. A strategic architect of financial growth, Orla excels in scenario analysis, stress testing, and the development of robust financial models that underpin critical board-level decision-making.

Before her current role, Orla worked with Bertelsmann Distribution Financial Services, a global service group known for creating tailored solutions for e-commerce, IT, and internet provider clients. She also served as Finance Manager for First Rate Ireland, part of Bank of Ireland Group, where she had headed up for the finance function. In this role, she oversaw the monthly management accounts, annual budgets, monthly forecasts, liaised with auditors, and managed currency rate hedging within the bureaux network. Orla’s work also included critical Y2K and Euro testing for banking systems. Throughout her career, Orla has led transformative initiatives, including IT infrastructure overhauls and digital transformations, ensuring organisations are resilient to emerging cyber threats and shifting regulatory landscapes. With a deep understanding of risk, compliance, and credit control and lending, she maintains strong relationships with regulatory bodies and key stakeholders. Known for her leadership and mentorship, Orla is committed to fostering a high-performance culture centered on integrity and ethical standards.

Outside of her professional life, Orla is passionate about giving back to her community. A qualified gymnastics coach for over 20 years in Sligo, she has also represented Ireland as a judge on the National Judging Panels for the Celtic Cup and National Finals. Additionally, Orla is an active member of the Risk and Compliance Committee for the Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership.

Speaker 1
Caroline Carty

Representatives from the MSLETB Apprenticeship Centre will speak about courses available and their learning experiences.

Speaker 2
Apprenticeship Students

Current Apprenticeship students will share their insights into the apprenticeship process.

Speaker 1
Gerard Moore Sligo Park

Gerard Moore is an experienced hotelier and tourism leader with extensive experience in hospitality management, destination development, and strategic tourism growth in Ireland over nearly 40 years. As Director and General Manager of the Sligo Park Hotel, he has overseen the continued development of one of the region’s leading hotels, focusing on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and delivering high-quality guest experiences. while maintaining a leading market position in the northwest of Ireland.

Mary Halton who is the HR Manager in Sligo Park Hotel will also speak.

Speaker 2
Paul Brennan

Paul Brennan runs two highly successful restaurants, Otto and Flipside in Sligo town. Paul will share his insights into the hospitality industry.

Speaker 1
Ruth Walsh Law

Ruth Walsh is a lecturer in law and Programme Chair for the BA Law & Business degree at ATU Sligo. Ruth began her career by completing a Bachelor of Commerce from UCD, followed by the Legal Practice Course from the College of Law in Chester, UK. She qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales and worked as an Associate Solicitor in a large litigation practice in Liverpool, where she was involved in defending civil proceedings brought against various police forces, including claims for wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, assault and malicious prosecution.

Ruth later returned to Ireland and worked in A&L Goodbody, where her practice centred on tobacco litigation and employment law. Ruth subsequently moved to Sligo and became a partner in a general practice, advising clients across a broad range of legal matters.

After more than a decade in legal practice, she moved into higher education as a lecturer at ATU Sligo, where she brings practical legal and professional experience into her teaching.

Speaker 2
Ita Lyster

Ita Lyster qualified as a solicitor in 2002 and has over 20 years’ experience in conveyancing, probate, family law, and civil litigation. She advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters and is widely recognised for her expertise in Capacity Law. Frequently appointed by the High Court as Guardian ad Litem or Independent Solicitor, she represents vulnerable adults in complex proceedings. A member of the Law Society’s Probate, Administration & Trusts Committee since 2018, Ita also holds a Diploma in Family Law (2020). She is dedicated to professional development, offering clear, practical advice, and strong, client-focused advocacy

Speaker 1
Lisa Cronin Environmental Science

Lisa Cronin is a Lecturer in Water Science at the ATU and has worked in many areas of environmental science over the past 25 years including catchment management projects, farm inspections, licensed discharges, pollution investigation, commissioning of water and wastewater treatment plants, drinking water source protection and water safety planning. She is currently researching the impact of rainfall events on river water quality using high frequency sensors and event detection systems.

Speaker 2
Simon Berrow

Dr Simon Berrow, from the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment in ATU, lectures on the BSc Hons in Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology as well as many masters programmes, supervising many research projects.

Simon has been working on cetaceans (whales, dolphins and mammals) in Ireland since 1987 and has also worked in the Antarctic and more recently in Cabo Verde off West Africa. He established the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group in 1990 and continues to manage its activities. Through the IWDG, he set up the Shannon Dolphin Project in the Shannon Estuary in 1993 and continues to manage a long-term monitoring programme.

He has been involved in developing best practice for the conservation and management of cetaceans in Ireland, including small-scale coastal surveys and acoustic monitoring. He has carried out a large number of environmental impact and marine mammal risk assessments and has also worked extensively on seabirds and basking sharks.

Speaker 1
Keith Russell

Qualified from UCC with BMedSc, MB in 1997.Graduated as General Practitioner , MRCGP, in 2003.Principle Partner with Medicentre ,Sligo since 2011. Special interests include diabetes, cardiovascular disease management, medical teaching and cryotherapy & minor surgery.

Speaker 2
Silvana Zec

Silvana Zec qualified as a physio in Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia and worked in public and private health care for 5 years before moving to Ireland and working in HSE Primary Care for 25 years. I have experience working in intensive care, respiratory medicine, neurology, cardiology, older person's rehab, mental health, musculoskeletal and women's health.

Speaker 1
Dr David Mulligan Engineering

Dr David Mulligan is Head of Department at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo, where he provides academic leadership alongside teaching and research responsibilities.

His research interests focus on systems development for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), with particular emphasis on applied, practice driven solutions that support organisational efficiency, innovation, and digital transformation. Dr. Mulligan is actively engaged in academic collaboration and knowledge exchange, contributing to the advancement of applied research and the regional impact mission of ATU.

Speaker 2
Trevor Mc Daid Architecture

Trevor McDaid FRIAI is a Director and Senior Architect at Hamilton Young Architects, specializing in educational and social housing projects. With 32 years of experience in private practice, he qualified in Architecture from the Hull School of Architecture in 1993. Joining Hamilton Young Architects in 1999, Trevor became a director in 2005. A past President of Sligo Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Sligo Chamber Industry Group for 10 years, he also served as an external examiner on the Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) course at ATU Sligo. Focusing on functional, community-driven design, Trevor brings extensive expertise, a keen eye for detail, and a collaborative approach to project delivery. Originally from Strabane, he has called Sligo home since 1994.

Speaker 1
Dr Eamonn Furey Social Sciences

Dr. Eamonn Furey is a sociologist, educator, and researcher with over 14 years of teaching experience across sociology, politics, research methods and education policy. He is a Lecturer and Programme Chair of the BA (Hons) Sociology & Politics at ATU Sligo, where he leads programme development, teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules, and contributes to academic governance through his involvement in multiple programme boards, Academic Council and chairs the Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee.

Eamonn has previously lectured at the University of Galway in the School of Political Science and Sociology, UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre and the Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development. His research experience includes major commissioned projects on educational inequality, youth engagement, and child protection. He is also active in school outreach and collaborative creative initiatives, including projects using music to support social and political learning.

Speaker 2
Anna Fewer Hamilton Psychology

Dr. Anna Fewer-Hamilton is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland. She lectures in Counselling and Psychology at Atlantic Technological University where she was the founding Psychology Director of the BA English and Psychology (Joint Hons) and is the Programme Chair of the Certificate in Introductory Counselling Skills. Anna is clinically active with an independent psychotherapy practice in Sligo, adopting a Humanistic and Integrative approach in her therapeutic work with adults. Her research areas include counselling skills training and the practice of paraprofessional and embedded counselling.

Speaker 1
Vanya Lambrecht Fine Art

Vanya lectures in Fine Art at YADA, ATU Sligo. Before joining ATU in 2018, she spent two decades working within Ireland’s art and theatre sectors, developing particular expertise in sculpture, installation and material research. Alongside her teaching, her current studio practice explores the potential of fungi as collaborative materials and as catalysts for reimagining processes and structures. Her background spans handweaving, theatre and costume design, architecture, and critical theory, all of which inform and enrich her visual arts practice.

Speaker 2
Ciaran McCauley Performing Arts

Ciarán is from Sligo and has been a core member of Blue Raincoat Theatre Company since 1991. Working in this ensemble, Ciarán has gained a wealth of “hands on” experience in all aspects of theatre life primarily as an actor but, also directing, designing lighting, sets and costumes, set construction alongside company roles in National and International touring production management. Outside of theatre, Ciaran has worked extensively in film and radio. Professional theatre training includes, The Oscar School of Acting, Dublin, L'Ecole de Mime Corporeal Dramatique, London with Corrine Soum and Steve Wasson, Saratoga International Theatre Institute, New York with Anne Bogart and the SITI Company, and at the Roy Hart Theatre of Voice in Malargues, France. He holds an MA in Drama and Performance from UCD. Ciarán has been a guest tutor at the DLI Summer school in University Limerick and is delighted to be back this year for the 60th anniversary.

Ciarán consults as a Performance and Vocal trainer for the International Institute of Celebrants. In December 2023 Ciarán had the honour of being the Adjudicator for The All Ireland One Act Drama finals held in Castleblaney. He is aboard member of The Hawkswell Theatre. Ciarán is a lecturer and the Programme Chair for Performing Arts in ATU Sligo.

Speaker 1
Dr Marie Moran Transport and Logistics

Head of Department of Business at ATU, Dr Marie Moran, will discuss the career opportunities a career in transport operations & commercial driving can offer. There has been an increase in apprenticeship programmes across every sector in recent years, and with the launch of the Transport Operations & Commercial Driving apprenticeship, the transport sector is no different.

This training programme is changing the perception of commercial driving as a profession. There are varied driving roles within the freight distribution sector which offer rewarding and challenging career opportunities.

The Transport Operations & Commercial Driving Apprenticeship is designed to deliver upon the industry need to attract more entrants to the profession of commercial driving, sow the seed for lifelong learning and support career progression opportunities for the apprentice that enable them to earn while they learn.

Speaker 2
Car Dealership

Representatives from a local car dealership will speak about careers in the industry.

Speaker 1
Carol Doherty HSE - Disability Nursing

Carol is the Nurse Practice Development Co-ordinator for HSE Disability Services Sligo/Leitrim. She is a graduate of St Angela’s College Sligo/Cregg House School of Nursing. She qualified as an Intellectual Disability Nurse (RNID) in 2004 and has worked in the Disability sector for almost 22 years. Following her initial qualification she then proceeded to complete a Bachelor of Nursing Science and then a Master of Health Sciences.

Prior to commencing in her current role she was a Clinical Nurse Manager 3, Clinical Placement Co-ordinator, and prior to this undertook the role of CNM2/PIC for over 10 years. Her current role focuses on the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of nursing practice. The role also has a strong focus on Undergraduate Nurse Education and provision of practice placements. Carol is passionate about the promotion of the role of the RNID. This role focuses on supporting the person to live a fulfilling life while fostering independence across the lifespan. It also allows you to combine specialised clinical skills while emphasising person centred care and empowerment.

Speaker 2
Mairéad Casserly & Patricia Ging Pharmacy

Mairéad Casserly - Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice
Mairéad has over twenty years' experience as a community and hospital pharmacist. She has worked in Beaumont, the Mater, Mayo and Sligo University Hospitals in clinical, education and managerial roles. Her clinical specialisms include intensive care, ophthalmology, cardiology and perioperative medicine.

She has extensive experience in pharmacy, medical and allied health education and training. She enjoys collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve care quality and has been involved in successful projects to streamline follow-up of cancer patients and improve medication prescribing.

Patricia Ging - Lecturer in Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Patricia is a qualified pharmacist with over twenty years’ experience in clinical hospital pharmacy. Her main areas of expertise and interest are respiratory medicine, pulmonary hypertension, thoracic transplant and antimicrobials.

Her roles as a hospital pharmacist involved educating patients and staff to ensure the safe, rational and cost-effective use of medications. Her educational roles have given her extensive experience in teaching and supervising research of students and graduates in pharmacy, medicine and allied health disciplines.

Speaker 1
Martha Kearns

Journalism was the only career path for me. I expected drama and intrigue; I wasn’t disappointed. My first day, in the summer of 1996, saw me join the Irish Independent team covering the homecoming of triple-gold medallist Michelle Smith from the Atlanta Olympic Games. We all know how that ended. After 13 exciting years at INM, I moved to The Sunday Business Post (as News Features Editor and later News Editor) – just two weeks before the 2008 financial crash. Great timing! Outside of work, I almost always have my head stuck in a book – unless I am walking the woods or beaches of Sligo with my family or sipping cocktails with my old journo pals.

Speaker 2
Michael Kearney

Mícheál Kearney is a radio presenter and MC from Sligo, currently broadcasting with iRadio since 2021. He began his career on the station’s promotions team, quickly progressing into on-air presenting.

Mícheál now co-hosts a Saturday morning show alongside Shane O’Loughlin and Ella Carey, in addition to presenting his own solo music programme on Sunday mornings.
Through his work with iRadio, he reaches audiences across 15 counties in Ireland each week.
His broadcasting career has also taken him beyond the studio, with work opportunities across Ireland and internationally, including the U.K and Portugal.
Alongside radio, Mícheál is an experienced live event host, having fronted a wide range of events - most notably the Sligo St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2026, which was streamed to a global audience.
Mícheál is delighted to be part of the North West Careers Fest this year and looks forward to sharing insights from his journey in broadcasting.

Speaker 1
Shane Flanagan

Shane has worked in the property business for almost 3 decades. Having completed a degree in Economics and Maths in UCG in 1991 (now NUIG) he then joined the firm GHQ Estate Agents here in Sligo. While working he also studied through the IAVI (now SCSI) to become a fully qualified Agent in 1997. Shane acquired the firm with Tom Ford in 1998 and soon thereafter they re branded the business as DNG Flanagan Ford.

“This was one of our best decisions as it has positioned our firm to the forefront of property services in Sligo.”

Shane specialises in the area of Property Sales and Valuations. He also provides professional advisory services to our developer and institutional clients.

“From about 16 years of age I knew I wanted to be an Auctioneer, it just jumped out at me as something I would really enjoy. There has never been one moment since I came into this industry that I regretted my career choice. Luckily I love what I do. This industry is constantly evolving and we always embrace these technology changes and improvements to help us provide the best service to our valued clients. Things such as Online Auctions, 3D virtual viewings etc would have been the stuff of science fiction when I joined this industry. They are now the norm. I really look forward to embracing the next wave of enhancements within our industry so that we can continue to provide the professional service our valued clients deserve.” As a Property Services Provider, Shane is fully licensed by the PSRA.

Speaker 2
Ann Harte, McMoreland Duffy Rouse

Ann Harte is Vice Chair of Chartered Accountants Ireland North West Society and a valued member of McMoreland Duffy Rouse, the long‑established Sligo‑based accounting and taxation practice known for delivering comprehensive and tailored financial, taxation, and wealth‑management services across the North West. She has also been recognised within the Chartered Accountants Ireland North West community, representing the firm at key regional events such as the annual North West Society Christmas Lunch.

Ann’s professional path is shaped by remarkable determination and resilience. A mature student, she returned to education at ATU Sligo, later progressing to study accountancy with Chartered Accountants Ireland. During her studies, she welcomed two additional children, successfully navigating the challenges of pregnancy, parenthood, work, and demanding professional exams; all at the same time.

Her message is simple but powerful:
“If I can do it, you can too.”

Speaker 1
John Garvey - Rescue

My name is John Garvey. I work for CHC Ireland as part of an S92 helicopter crew who supply search and rescue services to the Irish Coast Guard. My primary role as part of a rescue team is to get to find and extract casualties in extreme or austere conditions and environment’s by day or by night.

To get to where I am today, I originally trained as a Paramedic in the National Ambulance service and later completed a Post graduate diploma in Emergency Medical Science at UCD where I qualified as an Advanced Paramedic. I then completed a training program to achieve my aviation, Helicopter Under Water Escape and Winch Man/ Winch Operator qualifications at locations in Ireland, France and Norway. My role in the aircraft is described as a “Dual Role rated, All Weather Search And Rescue, Night Vision Goggle Qualified, Advanced Paramedic”. I am also licensed to work in other jurisdictions as a HCPC Paramedic. I have a keen interest in Rugby and various other sports including open water swimming and mountain running.

Speaker 2
Gardaí & Army

Members of An Garda Síochána and The Defence Forces will speak about Career Pathways.

Speaker 1
Hair and Beauty

Leading industry representatives from the Hair and Beauty Industry will give insights into careers in the sector.

Speaker 2
Ana Faye

Ana Faye is a seasoned professional in the realm of fashion design and pattern drafting, boasting over 20 years of diverse experience in the arts and education sector. With a robust background in textile arts, Ana has dedicated her career to inspiring creativity in learners of all ages, from primary school children to third-level students. Ana Faye has a luxury handbag brand and also works as a lecturer in ATU.

Throughout her career, Ana has developed and delivered innovative arts education programs encompassing a wide range of disciplines. Her expertise includes, but is not limited to, willow work weaving, embroidery, and both hand and machine construction. She is passionate about fostering artistic expression and has also facilitated outdoor art installations within school environments, creating immersive experiences that blend creativity with the natural surroundings.

Through her work, Ana continues to inspire the next generation of artists, empowering them to express themselves and realise their creative visions.

Speaker 1
Dr. Kevin Cradock

Kevin completed his PhD in Behaviour Change, focusing on changing diet and physical activity behaviour in type 2 diabetes. Kevin works in the Department of Health & Nutrition Sciences at the Atlantic Technological University. Kevin has also worked for the IRFU with Connacht Rugby and with the Irish U20 Team.

Speaker 2
Brian Moore - Orreco

Dr. Brian Moore is the Co-Founder and CEO of Orreco, a leading sports and data science company specializing in bio-analytics to optimize elite athlete performance, accelerate recovery, and extend careers. Founded in 2010 in Ireland, Orreco uses AI and biomarkers to provide personalized strategies for pro teams, including NBA franchises and Premier League clubs. Brian Moore began studying blood biomarkers in sports in the lead-up to the 2000 Sydney Olympics under Professor Craig Sharp. Orreco analyzes biomarkers (via blood tests) and daily data sets (GPS, sleep, wellness) to inform training loads and reduce injury risk. Orreco works with NBA teams (e.g., Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks), Formula 1 teams, PGA Tour golfers, and Olympic athletes. They developed "@thlete" for personalized biomarker analysis and "FitrWoman" to support female athletes, adjusting training around menstrual cycles.