Meet The Team
DR JOHN HANLEY VETERINARY SURGEON
MVB CertAVP MRCVS
John graduated from University College Dublin in 2004 and gained valuable experience in the UK before joining Sandymount Vets in 2005. He has a deep passion for surgery and finds it incredibly rewarding to help pets heal, move comfortably again, and return to happy, active lives.
With extensive postgraduate training in orthopaedics and a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in London, John brings both skill and empathy to every case he treats.
As co-owner and co-director of Sandymount Vets with his wife Miriam, John leads the clinic’s orthopaedic service with a gentle, reassuring approach — ensuring every pet feels cared for and every owner supported throughout their pet’s recovery. Outside the clinic, he enjoys sport, music, and long walks with the family’s terrier,
DR MIRIAM MCEVOY VETERINARY SURGEON
MVB MRCVS GP Cert (SAP)
Miriam graduated with honours from University College Dublin in 2004 and began her career in small animal practice in the U.K. before returning to Dublin. As co-owner of Sandymount Vets, she loves building lasting relationships with pets and their families.
She holds a General Practitioner Certificate in Small Animal Practice and is studying for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. Passionate about all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery, Miriam is dedicated to helping pets live happy, healthy lives.
Outside work, she enjoys art, music, and equestrian sports, and shares a lively home with her husband John, their daughter Olivia, and their rescue terrier, Biscuit.
DR SARAH JANE LYNCH VETERINARY SURGEON
BVSc
Sarah graduated from Massey University in New Zealand in 2004 and began her career working in small animal practice there, gaining three years of experience before relocating to Ireland. She joined the Sandymount Vets team in 2008—where she has been caring for pets and their families ever since.
Sarah has a strong interest in small animal medicine and the management of chronic pain. She has undertaken a foundation course in Western Veterinary Acupuncture and additional studies in pain management. Her attention to detail and gentle approach help ensure every pet receives the best possible care.
Outside of work Sarah enjoys both indoor and outdoor climbing, a passion she shares with her husband and three sons. At home she is kept company by a tabby cat named Otis.
DR ORLA FITZGERALD VETERINARY SURGEON
MVB MRCVS
Orla graduated with honours from University College Dublin in 2009 and completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery. She spent many years as lead emergency and critical care veterinary surgeon at UCD’s Pet Emergency Hospital, caring for pets during their most vulnerable moments.
At home, Orla enjoys life with her dog Harry, who keeps her on her toes. In her free time, she loves skiing, music, and exploring the outdoors with her dogs.
Passionate about all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery, Orla is dedicated to creating a calm, comforting experience for every pet — always with treats on hand to help them feel at ease.
DR MICHAEL ALLSHIRE VETERINARY SURGEON
BSc MVB
Michael graduated from University College Dublin in 2022 and joined the Sandymount Vets team the following year. Before qualifying as a vet, he studied Zoology at University College Cork and worked at Fota Wildlife Park, where supporting the animal care team and leading educational tours deepened his love for caring for animals and sharing that passion with others.
Since joining Sandymount Vets in 2023, Michael has become a much-valued member of the team. He enjoys every aspect of animal care and finds it incredibly rewarding to help pets feel comfortable, healthy, and happy again. Outside the clinic, he loves hiking, nature photography, and cheering on his favourite rugby and American football teams.
ELAINE FOGARTY
Senior Administrator
Elaine has been a vital part of Sandymount Vets since 2000, keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. From stock management and invoicing to drug ordering and compliance, she ensures the clinic is always organised and ready to care for pets.
With many years of experience in veterinary practice and business management, Elaine brings invaluable knowledge and a calm, capable presence to the team. Her lifelong love of animals shines through in everything she does.
These days, her dog Bella often joins her at work, offering comfort to pets who may be feeling a little nervous. Elaine’s warmth and genuine care help make Sandymount Vets a welcoming place for every pet and family who walk through the door.
TANIS CRONIN
Practice Manager
DipVN RVN DipFN
Tanis first joined Sandymount Vets as a student nurse in 2009 and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse from University College Dublin the following year. She later completed a Diploma in Feline Nursing with the International Society for Feline Medicine. With a special love for cats, Tanis is passionate about using gentle, cat-friendly techniques to help feline patients feel safe and at ease.
Over the years, Tanis has grown into a leadership role and now serves as Practice Manager. She takes great pride in keeping the clinic running smoothly while supporting both the team and the families who trust them with their pets. At home, she enjoys spending time with Nigel, a rescue cat who has happily traded farm life for the comforts of being a much-loved family pet.
PAULA HUGHES VETERINARY NURSE
DipVN RVN Cert. CFVH Nut. Cert SA Nutritional Advisor, Cert HR Mgmt
Paula began her veterinary nursing career in the UK, earning her Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Veterinary Nursing before gaining valuable experience at the Paddington Cat Hospital in Australia. On returning to Ireland, she completed her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at University College Dublin in 2010, graduating with distinction and receiving both an academic achievement award and the Irish Veterinary Nursing Association’s Student Veterinary Nurse of the Year award.
Since joining Sandymount Vets in 2006, Paula has become an integral part of the team and now leads our nursing department. She combines her clinical expertise with strong leadership and has a particular passion for veterinary nutrition and wildlife rehabilitation.
Paula’s dedication, warmth, and experience ensure that every patient—and every client—receives the very best care and compassion.
NAOMI O ‘DONOVAN VETERINARY NURSE
BSc Veterinary Nurse MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy
Naomi graduated from University College Dublin in 2013 with a BSc in Veterinary Nursing and joined the Sandymount Vets team shortly afterwards. She has since achieved a Master’s in Veterinary Physiotherapy, building on her skills to provide even greater support for pets in recovery.
Naomi has a strong interest in surgical nursing, patient rehabilitation, and physiotherapy. She is passionate about helping pets heal comfortably and regain their quality of life.
Outside of work, Naomi enjoys travelling, surfing, and horse riding. She has a horse called Bird and is an active member of her local riding club. At home, she shares life with her much-loved rescue dog, Amber.
GABRIELLE FOY VETERINARY NURSE
BA(hons), DIPVN
Gabrielle’s career began in a very different field—after completing her degree in Communications at DCU, she spent 15 years working in film post-production in London and the U.S. But her love of animals eventually led her to a new path.
She joined Sandymount Vets in 2005 and went on to qualify with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from UCD in 2008. After gaining wide-ranging experience as a locum nurse, Gabrielle returned to Sandymount in 2015, where she has been a valued part of the team ever since.
Alongside her nursing work, Gabrielle also helps clients with their insurance claims, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible during what can often be a worrying time for pet owners.
Over the years, Gabrielle has shared her life with much-loved pets, including Winston, her Old English Sheepdog who brought her great joy.
SINEAD SMITH VETERINARY NURSE
BScVN RVN
Sinead joined Sandymount Vets as a student nurse in 2021. Graduating from UCD with first-class honours in 2023 she returned to the team full-time as a Registered Veterinary Nurse.
Sinead has a special interest in small animal surgery, anaesthesia, and dentistry, and soon after graduating completed a certificate in small animal anaesthesia and dental nursing. Her calm and caring approach helps make sure pets feel safe and comfortable during their treatment.
Outside of work, Sinead enjoys playing hockey and sharing her love of music as both a pianist and teacher. While she doesn’t currently have any pets of her own, she co-parents Clint, one of the Sandymount staff dogs, alongside her colleague Paula
KATIE TIMMINS
ANIMAL CARE ASSISTANT
Katie joined Sandymount Vets in August 2023 and quickly became a valued member of the team. She previously spent three years working as an Animal Care Assistant in a feline-specialist practice, giving her a strong foundation in cat care.
Now studying for her degree in Veterinary Nursing, Katie has a particular interest in feline care and also enjoys the precision of lab work. She brings kindness, patience, and a supportive hand to both pets and colleagues alike.
At home, Katie is kept busy by her three cats—Cola, Mars, and Aurora. Outside of work, she has a love of film and holds additional qualifications in psychology and Irish Sign Language.
EMILY TILSON
Veterinary Nurse
BScVN RVN
Emily joined the Sandymount Vets team in 2023 as a student nurse and graduated from University College Dublin in 2025 as a Registered Veterinary Nurse. She has quickly become a valued member of the team, known for her kind nature and gentle approach with all patients.
With a special love for cats, Emily enjoys making our feline friends feel calm and comfortable during their visits. At home, she shares her life with two cats, Twizz and Harlem, and her dog, Jess. In her spare time, she loves reading and catching up with friends.
Chloe McLoughlin Russell
Receptionist
Chloe has always had a passion for animals, which inspired her to complete her Level 5 and Level 6 Animal Science courses, as well as an online receptionist course. With over four years of reception experience, she loves welcoming clients and their pets into the clinic each day.
Animals have always been a significant part of Chloe’s life—they’re truly fascinating to her. She’s grateful to be part of the Sandymount Vets team and to help care for every animal that comes through the doors. At home, Chloe has her own little furry family: four dogs—Marley, Shi, Bear, and Smokey—as well as a chinchilla named Charlie. They are her best friends and bring her endless joy.
Our Services
We offer vaccinations and new pet check-ups.
We recommend regular tooth cleaning for your pet.
Worried about your pet's weight? We can help!
We help provide safe travel for your pet.