Download Schedule of Speakers

Worksheet for students

Catch your career wave with speakers from across industry and education.
A panel of three speakers will speak for 20 minutes each, with a Q&A to follow.




Animal & Agriculture
(10 - 10.50 am , Lecture Theatre 1)

Speaker 1
Dwayne Shiels

Dwayne Shiels

Lecturer at ATU Letterkenny
2023 FBD Young Farmer of the Year

Lecturing as part of the Agriculture Science team at ATU Letterkenny and completing a PhD in Ewe and lamb behaviour with Teagasc and SRUC in Scotland. Dwayne is going to present on the exciting Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Agriculture in ATU and mention his former role with Teagasc Sligo Leitrim and Donegal. As 2023 FBD Irish Young Farmer of the year and having spent time in New Zealand and Australia on Scholarships, Dwayne will present the wide range of options available within the agriculture sector both in Ireland and worldwide to students who complete the course. Focusing on the advantages of having a practical element to the course including on farm assessments and professional work experience in the industry.

Speaker 2
Darren Carr

Darren Carr

Darren Carr Veterinary Surgeon, The Well Pet Hospital. Open since July 2016, The Well Pet Hospital is Sligo's new dedicated pet-only veterinary practice. A friendly, modern clinic where you and your pets are looked after in bright, comfortable surroundings. Darren has worked for many years at another practice in Sligo. He is a very experienced vet and brings a new dimension to pet care in the North West.



Computing
(10 - 10.50 am , Lecture Theatre 2)

Speaker 1
Patrick Quinn

Patrick Quinn

Patrick has 19 year’s experience in Software Engineering. Patrick is currently a Director of Software Development with Beyond (formally Overstock) with responsibility for Technology teams located in Ireland and the US. Patrick’s first taste of hard work and customer experience was through the family owned farm and electrical retail store. Upon graduating in Computer Engineering in University of Limerick Patrick worked in Limerick and then Dublin before returning to his native Sligo in 2014. Patrick has a wife and three children, in the twilight years of his hurling, enjoys woodworking, running and the outdoors.

Speaker 2
Veronica Rogers

Veronica Rogers

Veronica Rogers is a lecturer in ATU Sligo since 2019 and teaches cyber security modules (as well as other computing modules) across a range of programs. Veronica has over 15 years’ experience working in the Computing Industry in a variety of roles (infrastructure, analyst/programming roles etc..) and specialized in the cyber security field for approximately 8 years. She holds a Hons Degree from IT Sligo in Computing (2003) and a MSc in Forensics and Security from DCU (2011). Veronica is one of the Chapter leads for Cyber Irelands North-West chapter.



Pharma & Biomedical
(10 - 10.50 am , Lecture Theatre 3)

Speaker 1
Dr Stephen Daly

Dr Stephen Daly

Dr. Stephen Daly is a lecturer in Biopharmaceutical Science and Program Chair for both the Full-Time and Part-Time Biomedical Science degrees at ATU Sligo. Stephen began his scientific career by completing a B.Sc. Hons in Biology from NUI Maynooth followed by a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Dublin City University. His Ph.D. focussed on the area of recombinant antibody production and assay development. From this he completed a Post-Doc in DCU following on from his Ph.D. research. He then worked in industry for 10 years with Olympus Diagnostica and Abbott Diagnostics in Sligo. This led him back to academia in 2012 when he joined IT Sligo as an Assistant Lecturer. As well as being program chair and a lecturer on the full-time BSc. Biomedical science, Stephen also lectures on a number of industry focussed courses such as the MSc. In Biopharmaceutical Science and the Level 9 Certificate in Industry 4.0. He has over 20 peer reviewed publications and has supervised students for master’s research.

Speaker 2
Dr. Sibéal Waldron PhD

Dr. Sibéal Waldron PhD

I am currently a lecturer on the Forensic Investigation and Analysis Programme in ATU. Prior to joining ATU, I worked for Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for 15 years. I started my time there as a DNA analyst, working in the laboratory, generating DNA profiles related criminal cases. Then I moved on to become a reporting Forensic Scientist. My expertise is in DNA analysis and interpretation, interpretation of damage to textiles i.e. clothing and blood pattern analysis. Over my career at FSI I have worked on a large number of criminal cases, including murders and assaults, attended a number of crime scenes and frequently give evidence in court.




Business
(10 - 10.50 am , Main Auditorium)

Speaker 1
Niall Murray

Niall Murray

In November 2015 Niall Murray was appointed Managing Director having led a (MBO) Management Buy Out of Collins McNicholas along with fellow Directors Antoinette O'Flaherty and Michelle Murphy. Niall joined Collins McNicholas in 1998 to establish their Sligo office and was promoted to the position of General Manager in September 2010. He now has responsibility for managing the Collins McNicholas nationwide office network. Niall is a graduate of Dublin City University Business School, is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD).

Speaker 2
George Mullan

George Mullan

George Mullan is founder and owner of SIS Group, a Global manufacturing and sports construction company with offices in Europe, Asia, and Africa. George founded SIS pitches in 2001 and the company has completed projects at every major football event around the World and has been the principal supplier to 2018 & 2022 World Cups. SIS has supplied and constructed surfaces on every continent and across many sports. In 2023 SIS supplied surfaces for the Woman’s Football World Cup and Rugby World Cup Final. SIS Group has built relationships with world renowned brands such as Real Madrid FC, Barcelona FC, Green Bay Packers, IRFU, Manchester City, Chelsea FC, Besiktas JK, Ajax, Spartak Moscow, Elstadio Monumental, Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Aviva Stadium and Manchester United. In a previous life George was a turnaround specialist completing restructurings for a major US multinational in Europe. Asia and South America. George sits on several boards and is involved in various charities. George completed his bachelor degree at Trinity College Dublin in 1985 and went on to complete an MBA at Bradford Business School in 1988 George is an active member and supporter of Sligo Rugby Club, Connacht Rugby and Sligo Rovers and continues to participate in triathlons.




Apprenticeships
(11 - 11.50 am , Lecture Theatre 1)

Speaker 1
Caroline Carty

Caroline Carty

An apprenticeship is how people are trained in a craft trade or profession. There are now over 90 different types of apprenticeships. An apprenticeship programme provides on-the-job training with an employer along with off-the-job training in an education centre. An apprenticeship can last 2 to 4 years, during which time you will spend some time in off-the-job training. Apprenticeships are available up to level 10. You can start an apprenticeship from age 16 to 18 years depending on the apprenticeship programme. There is no upper age limit.

Speaker 2
Alaine Holland

Alaine Holland

Alaine Holland is an Engineer in Training who is originally from Texas, she made the big move to Ireland in 2013 after graduating High School. She came to Ireland seeking higher education and hasn’t stopped learning since. Alaine holds an Honours Degree in Forensic Investigation and Analysis and is currently earning her second Degree in Mechatronic Systems. She hopes to study further to earn an Honours Degree in Mechatronics. Alaine is an ambassador for the Future Female Engineering Program (FFEP) in Abbott. As she earns her engineering degree she will move to different engineering departments to gain a wide range of skills and experience. The program has inspired Alaine to speak and motivate future generations in a career in STEM. Previously Alaine has worked in science related roles in Abbott, but was awestruck when she heard about the FFEP in work and was compelled by various inspirations to make the leap into the engineering world. Throughout her career, she has strived to always continue to develop her skills and knowledge to contribute to Abbott’s mission of creating breakthrough products that help people to live their best possible life through the power of health.




Food & Hospitality
(11 - 11.50 am , Lecture Theatre 2)

Speaker 1
Nevin Maguire

Nevin Maguire

Neven grew up in Blacklion on the site of the restaurant which was then run by his parents as the MacNean Bistro. It was also the family home. His early interest in food was greatly encouraged by his mother, Vera. Neven studied catering at the nearby Fermanagh College in Enniskillen. He then trained in some of the world’s top restaurants including Arzac, San Sebastian, Spain (3 Michelin Stars) and Restaurant Léa Linster, Luxembourg (1 Michelin Star). He took over as Head Chef/Owner of MacNean House & Restaurant in 2001. Neven began his television career on the weekly live cookery slot of RTE’s popular ‘Open House’ afternoon show, presented by Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan; both of whom have remained firm friends. Since then, he has presented numerous cookery shows on RTE featuring top chefs and restaurants from both Ireland and abroad. He has played an important role in highlighting the best of Irish produce and works closely with Bord Bia to promote Quality Assured Irish produce. Neven’s Christmas specials on RTE have become an annual fixture.

Speaker 2
David Dunne

David Dunne

David Dunne is a past pupil of Sligo Grammar School - from the class of 1993. After a 16yr career in financial services Davd decided to make a pretty dramatic career change. He enrolled in the 12 week certificate course at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Cork and shortly after he opened his first restaurant 'Knox' on O'Connell Street in Sligo in 2015. This restaurant was essentially a daytime eatery that specialised in innovative brunch style dishes and also provided a tapas service three times a week. The restaurant gained national recognition through awards received from Georgina Campbell (best brunch in Connacht), the Restaurant Association of Ireland (Best new cafe) & the Sunday Times (Top100 places to eat). In 2018 DD opened Flipside on Rockwood Parade in Sligo with his current business partner Paul Brennan. This casual burger restaurant specialises in locally sourced burgers and local craft beers. The restaurant was awarded Best Burger in Ireland in 2021. In Dec 2023 DD and Paul opened Otto in the space that previously occupied Knox. Otto specialises in Neapolitan style pizzas and Mediterranean inspired small plates complimented by an interesting wine and cocktail menu.




Law
(11 - 11.50 am , Lecture Theatre 3)

Speaker 1
Roger Murray

Roger Murray

Roger Murray SC, a national leader in the area of medical law, is a partner and head of the Clinical Negligence Unit of Callan Tansey Solicitors. In recognition of his expertise, the Government, in September 2020, granted him the title of “Senior Counsel”, one of the first seventeen solicitors to receive the honour in the history of the State. He has over 25 years’ experience in medical negligence litigation. He has concluded many landmark cases and been involved in some of the largest awards for medical injury before the courts. He has extensive experience of appearing as an advocate for bereaved families at medical inquests nationwide. He is a widely sought-after commentator and lecturer in the area of medical law. He has lectured nationwide and spoken at events organised by the IMO, the Coroners’ Association, the Law Society, Law Schools and Bar Associations across the country.

Speaker 2
Lorraine Murphy

Lorraine Murphy

Lorraine Murphy, B.A., L.LB, L.L.M., is a qualified Solicitor, with eighteen years experience in general private practice, having also worked as a Tutor on the Professional Practice Course for Solicitors in the Law Society of Ireland for over ten years. Lorraine is currently lecturing Law on a full time basis in the School of Business, I.T. Sligo. She completed an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Legal Science in 1995, followed by a post graduate L.LB degree in 1997 from NUIG. After returning from a short period of travel, during which Lorraine worked for the Australian Government Solicitor in Sydney as a paralegal, she decided to pursue a career in Law. She was offered a Solicitor's Apprenticeship in Sligo Town in 1999 and went on to qualify as a Practising Solicitor from the Law Society of Ireland in 2001. She has recently completed a Masters degree in Advanced Legal Practice through Northumbria University in Newcastle in association with the Law Society of Ireland.



Medical 1 - Medicine, Physio, nursing
(11 - 11.50 am , Main Auditorium)

Speaker 1
Sarah Casserly

Sarah Casserly

Sarah is a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist currently working in Musculoskeletal (MSK) Triage for Orthopeadic and Rheumatology Services in Sligo University Hospital. Alongside this Sarah has also completed a term as National Lead Physiotherapist for Planning & Performance of the MSK Initiative on behalf of the Clinical Care Programmes in Rheumatology and in Trauma & Orthopeadic Surgery. Sarah is also currently co-chair of the ISCP Steering Committee for Advanced Practice in Physiotherapy, who are striving to support physiotherapists in Ireland to advance their practice in various specialities in line with international models of care. Sarah’s career path to date has included physiotherapy in the public and private sectors. In the public health sector, Sarah has worked in Acute and Primary Care services predominantly in Orthopeadic or outpatient roles. She has also lectured in UCD on the Physiotherapy and Performance science course, as well as in ATU Sligo on the Health Science & Physiology and Health Promotion Courses.

Speaker 2
Dr. Ger McCarthy

Dr. Ger McCarthy

Hi my name is Ger, a Doctor/Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in Older People’s Mental Health in Sligo since 2001. As Dean of Sligo Medical Academy, I organise the Medical Student Clinical training in Sligo for NUI Galway students, up to 70 per semester rotating through all hospital/GP specialties. We have lectures/tutorials/1:1 teaching here and students can sit exams in Sligo. I trained in UCD and then worked in Dublin, Mullingar and Galway in Medicine, Paediatrics& Obstetrics before going to Australia working in Emergency Medicine (City & Outback) and in Forensic Psychiatry. I finished my Psychiatry training in Dublin, Cardiff and Bristol, completing my Doctorate in Genetics before I came to Sligo as a Consultant. I trained in Psychotherapy as a Cognitive Analytic Therapist and in 2013 did a Diploma in Clinical teaching. We run research programmes on Delirium, Carer burden and Brain Health/Diabetes. I also train doctors to become Psychiatrists. I love my job, love living in the West of Ireland with my husband and 3 children where we can make the most of the outdoor lifestyle here, especially sea swimming and (very slow) triathlons. I hope you all find a career that you love!




Engineering & Construction
(12.30 - 1.20 pm , Lecture Theatre 1)

Speaker 1
Trevor Mc Daid

Trevor Mc Daid

Trevor McDaid studied Architecture at the University of Humberside in Hull in the UK and obtained his Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice (RIBA Part III) 23 years ago in 1995. He became a member of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland in 1997. Trevor joined Hamilton Young Architects Sligo office in 1999, having previously worked in private practice in Belfast, Letterkenny and Sligo. He became an Associate Director in Hamilton Young Architects in 2001, and was made a Director in 2005. Hamilton Young Architects are one of the leading architectural practices in Dublin and Sligo and are one of the few Grade I Registered Conservation Practices in Ireland. Trevor currently has overall responsibility for the firm's education projects, as well as being involved at a senior level in all other aspects of the practice's work including residential, commercial and office developments. Trevor is also a qualified Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP), and carries out this additional role on some of the firm's projects. In his spare time and to clear his head, Trevor enjoys running and swimming! Trevor was the President of Sligo Chamber of Commerce in 2013

Speaker 2
Emer Concannon

Emer Concannon

Emer Concannon, Chartered Engineer, Senior Engineer, Sligo County Council Emer Concannon is a native of Sligo and holds an honours Civil Engineering Degree from NUI Galway and an MBA from Dublin City University. Emer currently leads the Sligo National Roads Project Office in Sligo County Council, dealing with the development of all National Road Projects. Throughout her career, Emer has worked in a diverse range of Civil Engineering areas including Road Design, Road Maintenance, Environment, Sustainable Transport, Water Services and Parks & Recreation.

Speaker 3
Colin Birney

Colin Birney

Colin Birney is a lecturer at ATU, Sligo since October 2017 in the Civil Engineering and Construction Department within the faculty of Engineering and Design. A quantity surveyor by trade and a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and chartered member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland, with over 20 years’ experience in industry. Colin worked with both contractors and professional quantity surveying practices as a quantity surveyor prior to ATU, Sligo and has worked in Ireland, the UK, Turkey, and Bahrain.




Social Science & Psychology
(12.30 - 1.20 pm , Lecture Theatre 2)

Speaker 1
Dr Eamonn Furey

Dr Eamonn Furey

Dr Eamonn Furey graduated from the University of Galway with a BA Hons and PhD in Sociology, Politics & Policy. Eamonn’s doctoral research focused on the dynamics and effectiveness of parent/teacher relationships in challenging the effects of educational disadvantage. Eamonn has over 14 years lecturing experience in the discipline of Sociology and Politics and Public, Social Policy & Research Methods. Eamonn is an experienced researcher, formerly employed with the UNESCO Chid& Family Research Centre at the University of Galway. Since 2022, Eamonn has worked as lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences at ATU Sligo.

Speaker 2
Dr Siobhán Mc Nally

Dr Siobhán Mc Nally

Dr Siobhán McNally Counselling Psychologist Siobhán is a Counselling Psychologist and member of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). She has experience in a variety of specialist and health care settings across the UK and Ireland. With expertise in both assessment and therapy, Siobhán’s experience includes short-and long-term clinical work, in areas including but not limited to; depression, anxiety, autism, loss, trauma, personality disorders, and challenging behaviour within a range of inpatient and community based mental health and primary care psychology services. Siobhán’s therapeutic interests include Emotion-Focused, Cognitive-Analytic and Existential therapies with a focus upon subjective meaning and emotional processing. Her doctoral research formed part of an initiative within Trinity College aimed at developing Emotion Focused Therapy as a treatment approach for Depression. Siobhán’s research findings have been presented at a number of events and conferences within Europe and the United States.

Speaker 3
Caroline Costello

Caroline Costello

Caroline Costellois a social care lecturer in ATU Sligo. She is joint programme director of the Social Care Practice Programme. Prior to becoming a lecturer, Caroline spent 13 years as a social care worker in the Child and Family sector predominately in the youth justice sector. Caroline is a certified Mediator and NYCI Child Protection Trainer. Caroline is an active member of IASCE and continues to volunteer in social care settings. In 2019, Caroline developed the 'Use your Brain Not Your Fists' Promoting Positive Social Behaviour Workbook. Caroline’s research interest is Criminology and Youth Justice.




Creative, Art & Music
(12.30 - 1.20 pm , Lecture Theatre 3)

Speaker 1
Kieran Quinn

Kieran Quinn

I'm Kieran Quinn and I get I'm Kieran Quinn and I get my kicks (and my wages) from playing piano. Actually not just from playing, also from teaching others how to play, and from writing, arranging and directing. I'm probably best known for the Theme nIghts (adult and teenage) I have been running for the last 7 years - however I have also written/produced/released 3 albums and an EP in that time. I love playing with others of all musical shapes and sizes, and apart from notable exceptions, the less structure and the more possibility there is the better.I love getting the best out of others musically, showing them how much fun it can be to connect with their musical peers and an audience. More recently I have started to really enjoy blogging - writing about music, performance, motivation and ethics. Finally, I really believe that it's not about how good you are, it's about how good it is for youy kicks (and my wages) from playing piano. Actually not just from playing, also from teaching others how to play, and from writing, arranging and directing. I'm probably best known for the Theme nIghts (adult and teenage) I have been running for the last 7 years - however I have also written/produced/released 3 albums and an EP in that time. I love playing with others of all musical shapes and sizes, and apart from notable exceptions, the less structure and the more possibility there is the better.I love getting the best out of others musically, showing them how much fun it can be to connect with their musical peers and an audience. More recently I have started to really enjoy blogging - writing about music, performance, motivation and ethics. Finally, I really believe that it's not about how good you are, it's about how good it is for you

Speaker 2
Martina Hamilton

Martina Hamilton

Martina Hamilton lives and works in Sligo. She has a small family team of master goldsmiths and, together, they have created a variety of award-winning jewellery collections. Many are now stocked by Ireland's most exclusive retailers including Arnotts Irish Jewellery Collective, Avoca Stores, Designyard, House of Ireland, Kilkenny Design, Kilkenny Shop, Steensons of Belfast and The Cat & The Moon. Her designs are inspired by the wonderful, ever-changing Atlantic coastal landscape where she lives. Her collections are available at her shop The Cat and the Moon, at 4 Castle Street Sligo, where they also stock the finest Irish artisan design and craft. Everything in the shop is handmade by studio craft makers living and working here in Ireland. In 2011, she opened the Hamilton Gallery, which hosts a continuous programme of solo and group exhibitions by Ireland's leading contemporary visual artists. She is also an elected member of the board of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland.




Medical 2
(12.30 - 1.20 pm , Main Auditorium)

Speaker 1
Edel Mc Sharry

Edel Mc Sharry

Head of School Nursing, Health Science and Disabilities Studies
Edel McSharry’s clinical background was in medical surgical, neurology and the critical care areas where she worked as a nurse and nurse manager in the UK, North America and Ireland. Within Nurse Education Edel has worked as a Nurse lecturer and Programme Director where she has taught, devised and managed undergraduate and post graduate nursing courses. She is currently the Head of School of Nursing, Health Science and Disabilities studies at ATU St Angelas. She is passionate about the profession of nursing, disability& health care & nurse education . She believes nursing is a profession that contributes powerfully to the health and wellbeing of the population, by utilising its professional knowledge, skills, altruism and practical wisdom in clinical practice. To this end she is an advisor and part of expert groups in the Nursing and Midwifery board of Ireland setting national standards for the education of nursing students. She has many teaching and research interests such as Clinical skills, Intercultural communication, the use of technology in Nurse Education.

Speaker 2
Paul Nolan

Paul Nolan

Paul Nolan is a Clinical Lecturer on ATU Sligo’s Clinical Measurement Physiology Programmes. He is a Cardiac Physiologist of over 22 years’ experience and was the Cardiac Investigations Department Head in Galway University Hospital for the last 16 years. He has internationally recognised accreditation in the areas of Cardiac Ultrasound and Cardiac Rhythm Management. He also has an MSc in Leadership from the RCSI

Speaker 2
Andrew Callaghan OT

Andrew Callaghan OT

Hi my name is Andrew Callaghan, a Senior Occupational Therapist (OT) working on the Frailty Intervention Team in Sligo University Hospital. I qualified from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2017 and with a degree in Occupational Therapy and commenced working in Mayo University Hospital on a temporary six month contract before taking up a permanent post as a staff grade OT in Sligo University Hospital. As a staff grade OT in the hospital, I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to complete rotations around the hospital and gain great experience in various clinical settings such as frailty, medical, orthopaedics, stroke, neurology and surgery. In January 2023, I took up a position as a Senior OT on the Frailty Intervention Team, working across the Emergency Department and the Acute Assessment Unit in Sligo University Hospital.As a Senior OT on the Frailty intervention team, I work with a wider multidisciplinary team to provide early comprehensive functional assessments for persons aged 70 and over who are frail or at risk of developing frailty onpresentation to the Emergency Department or the Acute Assessment Unit and complete onward referral to appropriate services in the hospital or community.As an OT, you have the opportunity to work across a wide range of settings and with people of all ages which makes it so unique and appealing. Outside of work, I have a big interest in both playing and watching sport and spending time with friends and family.




Media & Communications
(1.30 - 2.20 pm , Lecture Theatre 1 )

Speaker 1
Michael O’Domhnaill

Michael O’Domhnaill

Since TG4, Ireland's Irish-language television channel, began broadcasting in 1996, I have been the chief sports anchor of live, deferred and highlights programmes. I present GAA Beo, the live coverage of Gaelic Games, on TG4 every weekend. At present we broadcast around 70 matches live a year, which means we are live most weekends, Saturdays as well as Sundays. Hurling and Gaelic Football are my main sporting interests and I consider it a great honour as well as hugely enjoyable to front this coverage. I've also been front of camera for TG4 at events like soccer, boxing, Ladies Football, and more. I've also directed documentaries from sports to music, as well as features, corporates, promotional videos and more. Adaptability is the name of the game in broadcasting, and whether it's a broadcast documentary or a promotional corporate feature, a blank sheet of paper is the start, and, together with the client, we fill in the gaps to ensure that they get the best production possible, and one which bears their imprint fully. One of the most recent productions I am proud to have been a producer of is 'Armada 1588 : Shipwreck & Survival' which tells the incredible tale of Armada Captain Francisco de Cuéllar.

Speaker 2
Austin OCallaghan

Austin OCallaghan

Austin O'Callaghan is a sports journalist with 20 years experience in broadcasting. Through working as a Senior Broadcast Journalist with EurosportandEuroNews in France and BBC Northern Ireland between 2002 to 2013, he has reported from several key international sporting events that include: two Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and a Cricket World Cup. Today, he works as a Freelance Broadcast Journalist for BBC and RTÉ – and also provides media training in his hometown of Sligo. Austin is currently working with Ocean FM.




Nutrition & Strength
(1.30 - 2.20 pm , Main Auditorium)

Speaker 1
Des Ryan

Des Ryan

Des Ryan works for Setanta College as Director of Coaching & Athletic Development. Des is one of the leading youth coaches and performance managers in sport and a world-renowned practitioner and speaker in the field of youth athletic development. In joining Setanta College, Des will contribute to the Colleges mission to Deliver industry defining Education, application and insight to communities at a local and global level. Des joins Setanta from his position as Head of Sport Medicine & Athletic Development at Arsenal Football Club Academy, which he held for over 8 years and where he has re-shaped the concept of player development within the world of football. He has previously served as Head of S&C at Connacht Rugby, S&C to Ireland and as Fitness Education Manager within the IRFU, where he spent over 13 years developing the IRFU’s coach and player development system. Over the years Des has presented at the UKSCA, ASCA and the NSCA conferences as well as many other conferences around the world. He also has worked as a consultant to World Rugby and the National Cricket academy in India. Des has a Masters in Strength and Conditioning and is also an Accredited Strength and Conditioning coach with the UKSCA. He also has achieved the High Performance Sports Accreditation from the British Association of Sports and Exercise Science and is a chartered scientist.

Speaker 2
Shane Hayes

Shane Hayes

Shane Hayes is currently the Senior Sports Inclusion Officer with Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership (SSRP). This involves planning, organising and implementing a range of inclusive sport and physical activity programmes and opportunities for people with disabilities of all ages. He also coordinates programmes and activities for older people in Sligo through SSRPs Ageing Well framework. Shane qualified as a PE teacher at St Marys College in Strawberry Hill, London and also obtained an MSc in Sport and Physical Activity for Health at the same institution. As a enthusiastic sports coach in a range of sports, Shaen is currently the Head coach with Sligo Athletic Club on their little athletics programme. He is also a qualified tutor in Coaching Children, Active Leadership in Sport and Disability Inclusion Through Sport.



Defence, Rescue & Gardaí
(1.30 - 2.20 pm , Lecture Theatre 3 )

Speaker 1
John Garvey

John Garvey

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 licenced 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
Representatives of the Defence Forces

Representatives of the Defence Forces

A representative from the Gardaí will speak about career pathways.




Environmental, Health & Safety
(1.30 - 2.20 pm , Lecture Theatre 2 )

Speaker 1
Lisa Cronin

Lisa Cronin

Lisa lectures in water and wastewater science at ATU Sligo across several programmes in the Dept. of Environmental Science and the Dept. of Civil Engineering & Construction. Prior to joining the ATU in 2018, she spent 20 years working in the water services sector in Ireland and has particular expertise in the area of catchment management and drinking water safety planning, water supply monitoring in both public supplies and group water schemes and the development and implementation of potable water monitoring programmes. She is currently researching the impact of extreme weather events on river water quality in a catchment in the west of Ireland using novel techniques and sensors that monitor water quality continuously.

Speaker 2
Caroline Cavanagh

Caroline Cavanagh

Caroline worked as a Professional Chef for 15 years. Returning to education at ATU Sligo as a mature student in 2013. Caroline completed the BSc (Hons) Degree in Occupational Safety and Health in 2017. Since graduating Caroline worked for close to five years in the meat processing sector. Caroline now works as an OHSE Co-ordinator for Amcor, a global medical packaging business, based in Finisklin Business Park, Sligo.

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