Meet The Team
DR JOHN HANLEY VETERINARY SURGEON
MVB CertAVP MRCVS
John graduated with honors from University College Dublin in 2004. He worked in small animal practice in the U.K. before returning to Dublin. He is now co-owner of Sandymount Vets.
John has a special interest in soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery, and offers a referral orthopaedic service to other vets as well as to our own clients. In October 2016, he attained the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in the field of Small Animal Surgery, awarded by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in London.
In his spare time, John is a keen pianist and when he gets a chance he likes to surf in his native Co. Clare.
DR MIRIAM MCEVOY VETERINARY SURGEON
MVB MRCVS GP Cert (SAP)
Miriam graduated with honours from University College Dublin in 2004. She worked in small animal practice in the U.K. before joining Sandymount Vets where she is now co-owner.
Miriam holds a general practitioner certificate in small animal practice and has been nominated for a Stronghold Veterinary Pet Care award. In addition to these, she is currently studying for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ certificate in advanced veterinary practice. She has a keen interest in all areas of small animal medicine & surgery.
Miriam’s hobbies include art, music and equestrian sports – where she represented Ireland. She is married to John Hanley, together they have a daughter named Olivia and a vociferous rescue terrier called Biscuit!
DR SARAH JANE LYNCH VETERINARY SURGEON
BVSc
Sarah graduated from Massey University in New Zealand in 2004. She then spent three years working in small animal practice in New Zealand before moving to Ireland with her dog Bella. She joined the team here at Sandymount in 2008.
Sarah has a special interest in small animal medicine, particularly diagnostics including radiography, ultrasonography and cytology. She has completed a distance education programme in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging and has undertaken a practical course in Veterinary Ultrasound with advanced abdominal scanning.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys recreational diving and hiking as well as being a Mum.
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 worked for many years as a lead emergency and critical care veterinary surgeon at the Pet Emergency Hospital in UCD.
Orla has three dogs – Harry, his brother Guinness and Jasper. Orla’s hobbies include skiing, music & walking her dogs. She has a keen interest in all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery, and always has pet-friendly treats at the ready for your pet’s visit!
DR MICHAEL ALLSHIRE VETERINARY SURGEON
BSc MVB
Michael graduated University College Dublin Veterinary in 2022 and joined the team at Sandymount Vets in 2023. Michael originally qualified in Zoology, University College Cork and spent several years working at Fota Wildlife Park in his native county Cork. There he taught ecology to students, led educational tours as well as assisting as part of the animal care team.
Michael has a great interest in small animal surgery and dentistry. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, nature photography and is an avid rugby and American football fan.
ELAINE FOGARTY
Senior Administrator
TANIS CRONIN VETERINARY NURSE
Senior Administrator DipVN RVN DipFN
Tanis joined the Sandymount Vets team as a student nurse in 2009. She graduated as a registered veterinary nurse from University College Dublin in 2010, and went on to achieve a Diploma in Feline Nursing from International Society for Feline Medicine. Tanis has a special love of all our feline patients and enjoys using cat friendly nursing techniques.
In recent years Tanis has taken on a more administrative role in the practice and prides herself in giving excellent customer care.
She has a Wheaten Terrier called Finnegan, who loves nothing more than to be petted and having a ramble around their local park.
PAULA HUGHES VETERINARY NURSE
DipVN RVN Cert. CFVH Nut. Cert SA Nutritional Advisor, Cert HR Mgmt
Paula’s first steps towards a career in the veterinary industry started when she completed the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Veterinary Nursing (UK) before heading off to Australia to work at the Paddington Cat Hospital.
On her return to Ireland, Paula completed the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, graduating from University College Dublin in 2010 with distinction & an academic achievement award. In the same year, Paula was also presented with The Irish Veterinary Nursing Association Student Vet Nurse of the Year award.
Since joining the practice in 2006 Paula now heads our nursing team, balancing her nursing duties alongside nursing staff management. Paula enjoys all aspects of nursing, especially veterinary nutrition and wildlife rehabilitation.
NAOMI O ‘DONOVAN VETERINARY NURSE
BSc Veterinary Nurse
Naomi studied at UCD where she attained her BSc in veterinary nursing, graduating in July 2013. She then joined Sandymount Vets in September of the same year. Naomi is currently studying for a masters degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy. She has a special interest in surgical nursing, patient rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
Her hobbies include travel, surfing and horse riding. She has a horse called Bird, and is an active member of her local riding club. She also has a rescue dog named “Amber”.
GABRIELLE FOY VETERINARY NURSE
BA(hons), DIPVN
Gabrielle started with a degree in communications from DCU before spending 15 years in London and the U.S.A working in film post production. She joined Sandymount in 2005 and qualified with a diploma in vet nursing from U.C.D in 2008. She gained extensive experience as a locum nurse before returning to Sandymount Vets in 2015.
Gabrielle has one pet – Winston – who is an Old English Sheepdog.
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.
SINEAD SMITH VETERINARY NURSE
BScVN RVN
Sinead joined the team here at Sandymount vets as a student nurse in 2021. She graduated from UCD with a first class honours in 2023 and joined the team full-time as a registered veterinary nurse. Sinead has a special interest in small animal surgery, anaesthesia and dentistry. She completed a certificate in small animal anaesthesia and dental nursing shortly after graduation.
Outside of nursing, Sinead enjoys playing sport, particularly hockey. She is also a keen pianist and enjoys playing and teaching piano in her spare time.
Sinead currently has no pets of her own but is a co-parent to staff dog Clint alongside Paula.
KATIE TIMMINS ANIMAL CARE ASSISTANT
Student Veterinary Nurse
Katie joined Sandymount Vets in August 2023. Having worked as an Animal Care Assistant in a feline specialised practice for 3 years, Katie is a fantastic support to the veterinary nursing team here at Sandymount Vets. She is currently studying for her degree in Veterinary Nursing and as well as having a particular interest in feline care, she also enjoys lab work. Katie has 3 cats of her own – Cola, Mars and Aurora. Outside of work Katie is an avid lover of film and has qualifications in psychology and Irish Sign Language.