An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 39 eimear Ní Fhallúin (from Leixlip, Co Kildare) "I have had a strong interest in sports and physical activity from a young age, playing handball, camogie and football. I also have a keen interest in all things military with a thirteen year his- tory in 7th Infantry Bn Reserve and feel honoured to be involved in the process of developing DF Physiotherapy. I did my B.Sc. in Physiotherapy at UCD, qualifying in 2009 and a M.Sc. in Sports Physiotherapy in 2014. I have run my own practice for the past seven years, taking a year out to travel internationally with rugby. This position interested me because of the opportunity to create and manage a new service that will add value to the DF and its personnel. I would hope to see the service positively impact injured personnel in returning to duty and maintaining their physical ability to undertake robust training." kevin O'connor (from Ballaghaderreen in Co Roscommon) "I have always had a keen interest in sport and have been lucky enough to represent Mayo in Gaelic football and handball at underage grades, as well as playing youth representative soc- cer with Roscommon. I did my B.Sc. in Physiotherapy in the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, receiving first class honours, with clinical distinction. I was recipient of the Anne O'Brien Prize awarded by the I.S.C.P. for achieving the highest overall result in clinical assessment in my graduating class. I had previously received a B.Sc. in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Limerick, and have gained further related qualifications as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and as a Certified Performance Specialist. This position interested me as I feel the role suits my areas of clinical concentration and expertise extremely well. I have previously worked with Paralympics Ireland as team physiotherapist with the men's cerebral palsy soccer team, and am currently Lead Physiotherapist for the Westmeath Se- nior Gaelic Football team. I expect the new position to be challenging and diverse, and will represent a fantastic opportunity to learn while contribut- ing to the new Defence Forces Physiotherapy service." Rob mccabe (from Kilmeague, Co Kildare) "I have a strong background in GAA having played football with Ballyteague GAA club and represented Kildare from minor to senior level. I also played rugby with Clontarf while studying for a B.Sc. in Sport Science and Health in Dublin City University. Since qualifying from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, in 2007 I have worked in a private practice in Naas and Dublin. Last year I set up my own clinic in Newbridge based within the grounds of New- bridge Family Practice where I will continue to assess and treat a wide range of patients as well as local teams and clubs. It's exciting to be involved in this new venture and I see it as a great opportunity to work with a highly-skilled, multidisciplinary team to develop an efficient and effective service to best serve the Defence Forces. I have dealt with members of the Defence Forces over the years and always felt an on- site physiotherapy service would be far more cost effective and time efficient as it will ensure more prompt assessment, monitor- ing and follow up, as well as putting injury prevention strategies in place." sinead Langford (from Templeogue, Dublin) "I graduated from Trinity College in 2006 with a first class honours. I received my MSc in Manual Therapy in 2016, graduating with distinction from the University of Western Australia and was awarded the prize for best clinical prac- tice in my class. I have worked in private practice in New Zealand and in Ireland, gaining extensive experience managing work-related injuries and sports injuries at all levels. I worked with Midleton RFC, for three sea- sons, Munster Rugby underage squads and I have travelled as Troupe Physiotherapist with Riverdance. I am committed to developing my skills through on-going clinical education and I have a special interest in the treatment of neck and shoulder pain, sports injuries and injury prevention. I also trained in APPI Pilates, functional movement screening for injury risk assessment and dry needling. I am very excited to be joining the new physiotherapy team. It rep- resents a unique opportunity to work with highly motivated personnel developing injury prevention strategies and effective rehabilitation. I hope to contribute to the development of a first class physiotherapy service with Defence Forces Physiotherapy." Jason sherlock (from Prosperous, Co Kildare) "I was honoured to play GAA for Kildare from U14 to U21 levels and at senior club level with Allenwood GFC. The high- lights of my playing career were representing Leinster at U17 level and winning a county title with Allenwood in 2004. I completed a BSc Hons in Sports Rehabilitation and Human Physiol- ogy from IT Carlow in 2006 before I left Ireland to study for a M.Sc. in Physiotherapy at the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, for two years. I have worked in private practice and was the physiotherapist with the Offaly Senior Gaelic Football team. In 2009 I worked in a UK private practice with British ex-triathlete, Nigel Kimpton, and worked closely with UK Athletics for two years. I then worked for the British Ministry of Defence, with the RAF, Special Forces and Paratroopers, at the regional rehabilitation unit in Colchester, and later at the British military's National Rehabilitation Centre of Excellence in London. This was the high point of my career to date - working in complex trauma with highly motivated injured soldiers and helping them walk, run and in some case return to high-level sport. I applied for a position with Defence Forces Physiotherapy because I know it's an area that I have a lot of experience in, is diverse, and will allow me to work with highly motivated patients on a daily basis." marie murphy (from Boherbue in North Cork) "I graduated with a BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Lim- erick in 2011 and with a Masters in Sports and Exercise Medicine from University College Cork in June 2016. I completed postgraduate courses in taping, Pilates, dry needling and manual therapy. "I am actively involved with the GAA, having played for my local ladies football club winning county and Munster titles over the years and regularly provides match day cover for teams. I am an active member of Macra na Feirme, winning a National Leadership Award in January 2016. "I have a keen interest in physical activity and using exercise as medi- cine. I particularly enjoy the rehabilitation aspect of physiotherapy practice and hope to be able to add this to the new with the Defence Forces Physiotherapy Service, ensuring a speedy return from injury."

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