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Meet the Council
  • Meet the Council
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Meet the Council

Liam Downey

President

Workplace: RSM1, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Professional Interests: I graduated in 2012 worked in St. James’s since from 2012 to 2017 as a Basic Grade Radiographer before becoming Senior Radiographer in CT. I competed an MSc in CT in 2015 though University College Dublin. During my tenure in St. James’s, I took a particular interest in Radiographer screening in barium/fluoroscopy exams and developed the protocol for Radiographer screening for video fluoroscopies. I also worked in CT and PACS and was involved with the St. James’s Hospital NIMIS Implementation Project.

In 2017, I moved to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital where I took up the role of Clinical Practice Tutor, responsible for teaching and assessment of UCD undergraduate students. In late 2019, I was promoted to the position of Radiography Services Manager 1 and for much of 2020 I was the Acting Radiography Services Manager 2.

I was previously the DI student rep on the IIRRT Council while completing my undergraduate degree before becoming a DI Council Rep for the Dublin Mid-Leinster and then Dublin North regions.

 IIRRT sub-committees: IIRRT Executive, Professional standards and best practice guidelines, Working group on lead protection position paper in collaboration with IAPM, Annual Conference 2024

Eddie Conran

President Elect

Eddie Conran currently works as Interim Deputy Hospital Manager & previously Radiography Services Manager in Mayo University Hospital, part of the Saolta Hospital Group. He has previous clinical experience and post graduate qualifications in MRI and ultrasound. Eddie has worked across the private and public sectors in Ireland, England and Australia. He has a particular interest in the expansion of community based radiology service

Jennifer Grehan

National DI

Representing: National Education (Diagnostic)

Workplace: University College Dublin

Professional interests:

Jenny qualified with a BSc in Diagnostic Radiography from the University of the West of England in 1996. After 2 years at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, she moved to Great Ormond Street Hospital holding the posts of Senior and Superintendent for General Radiography. During this time she undertook an MSc in Diagnostic Radiography from City University, London. She held the position of Lead Superintendent Radiographer from 2005 during which time she received awards for clinical management and leadership. Over this time she developed her interest in clinical coaching and mentored staff as they progressed into professional lead and research radiographer roles.

She has held her current role as Lecturer, Assistant Professor and CPD coordinator for the Section of Radiography and Diagnostic Imaging, UCD since November 2012. Outside of undergraduate teaching, while in post, she has facilitated the development and delivery of post graduate qualifications in Paediatric Imaging and while facilitating the cycle of UCD multi-disciplinary study days, to further encourage the delivery of best practice perspectives.

Currently Jenny holds several roles at a national level. She has represented Diagnostic Radiography Education on the IIRRT Council since 2014 and was President of the institute from 2021 – 2023, she is an Academic Assessor of International Qualifications for CORU and represents the IIRRT on multiple working groups.

Since the introduction of state registration her role has developed to absorb her interest in Lifelong Learning and CPD for radiographers from both a management and research perspective. This culminated in gaining a PhD award for research into the evolution of mandatory CPD for diagnostic radiographers in Ireland in 2024.

IIRRT sub-committees: Professional Education & CPD, Research & Grants

Dean Harper

IIRRT Membership Officer

Workplace: Radiation Therapy Department, St. Luke’s Hospital Rathgar, St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network (SLRON)

Qualifications: MSc Radiotherapy and Oncology, Sheffield Hallam University (SHU), BSc. (HONS) Radiation Therapy, Trinity College Dublin. (TCD), PGc Quality and Safety, Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).

Professional Experience:

Current: Radiation Therapy Services Manager, St. Luke’s Hospital Rathgar SLRON

Previous: Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist SLRON

Professional memberships: IIRRT, ESR, ESTRO, ISRRT, CORU

Special Interests/Research area:

  • Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
  • Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR)
  • Quality improvement
  • Incident reporting and incident learning
  • Continual professional development (CPD)

Council Activities: IIRRT rep on HSCP Education & Development Advisory Group

IIRRT sub-committees:  Professional Education & CPD, Research & Grants, Professional Standards & Guidelines, Conference, Website & Communications.

 

 

Theresa O' Donovan

IIRRT Treasurer

Representing: National Therapeutic Clinical

Workplace: Radiation Therapy Department, Cork University Hospital (CUH)

Qualifications: BSc. (HONS) Radiation Therapy, Trinity College Dublin. (TCD), MSc Clinical Education, National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), PgC Advanced Practice, Sheffield Hallam University (SHU)

Professional Experience:

Current: Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (RT)

Previous: Deputy RT Manager CUH, RT Townsville, Perth, and Melbourne

Professional memberships: IIRRT, ESR, TROG, ESTRO, ICORG

Special Interests/Research area: Student Education- Student Link to TCD

Council Activities: Presidential Role

Member of Editorial Board of Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice

Member of CPD sub-committee
Reviewer of Research Grant Applications
IIRRT rep on the EFRS CPD working group
IIRRT rep on HSCP Education & Development Advisory Group

IIRRT sub-committees: Professional Development – Advanced Practice, Professional Education & CPD, Research & Grants

Michele Monahan

IIRRT Secretary

Representing: National Diagnostic Clinical

Qualifications:  Radiography, Ultrasound, Management

Workplace/ Professional Experience: Radiography Services Manager Connolly Hospital. Previously Clinical Specialist Ultrasound

Professional memberships: IIRRT, ISRRT, EFRS, CORU

Special Interests/Research area: All aspects of Radiography and how to drive forward advanced practice for Radiographers and Radiation Therapists. Ultrasound and Radiation Safety as well as Professionalism within the professions are key interest areas.

Council Activities: Secretary, CPD Committee, Conference Committee, Guidelines, ISRRT Conference 2020.

IIRRT sub-committees: Professional Development – Advanced Practice, Professional Education & CPD, Research & Grants, Professional Standards & Guidelines, Conference.

Hannah Turner

Representing: Dublin Mid-Leinster Diagnostic

Qualifications: BSc Radiography (UCD), Professional Certificate in Radiation Safety

Workplace: Tallaght Hospital

Professional memberships:European Society of Radiology

Special Interests/Research area: Radiation Safety, Professional Development and Education.

IIRRT sub-committees: Conference, PR & Promotion – Professional & Institute

Sinead O'Suillivan

IIRRT CPD Officer

Qualifications:

BSC Radiography (HONS) Kingston University London. PgC Mammography, Diploma Health Care Management, Certificate in Events Management

Workplace /Professional Interest

Current: IIRRT CPD Officer, Senior Radiographer Breast Check Merrion Unit Dublin

Previous: Deputy RSM, QA Radiographer

Sinead is CPD Officer for the IIRRT. This post is fully funded by the HSE and managed by the IIRRT. Sinead has been CPD Officer since August 2012 with the IIRRT. This is a part-time role. One of the main functions of this role is to facilitate CPD events nationally for Radiographer’s and Radiation Therapists. Sinead is focused on assisting Radiographers and Radiation Therapists with their CPD queries and providing a multitude of CPD opportunities to meet their learning needs and the CORU CPD requirements.

Sinead also works in a clinical role as a Mammographer with Breast Check Merrion Unit in Dublin.

Sinead is part of a Multidisciplinary CPD Officers network comprised of CPD Officers representing each professional body. Sinead has recently been appointed chair of the CPD Officer network.

Professional memberships: IIRRT CORU

Special Interests/Research Area: CPD, Role development, Advanced Practice, Mammography, Quality Assurance, Patient Centered care initiatives, Assessors for MEDRAY /IIRRT Department of the year and Radiographer and Radiation Therapist of the year.

IIRRT sub-committee: Professional Education & CPD, Website & Communications.

Una Cooper

South Radiation Therapy

Workplace:

UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, Waterford.

Qualifications:

PGCert in Radiotherapy Planning.

BSc (Hons ) in Radiation Therapy, Trinity College, Dublin.

Professional Experience:

Current:

Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (RT)

Previous:

Acting Lead Clinical Specialist RT, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre

Senior/Clinical Specialist RT, Genesis Cancer Care, Bunbury, Western Australia

RT/Senior RT, Cork University Hospital

RT: Townsville, Queensland, Australia. James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK. Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.

Professional Memberships:

IIRRT, CORU.

Special Interest/Research Areas:

Development and Improvement of departmental EMR workflow processes

Quality Improvement

Image – Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)

Continued Professional Development (CPD)

IIRRT sub-committees: Resources, Conference

Ruth Woods

RTSM Observer

Ruth graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Bachelor of Science (Ther. Rad) in 2003. She subsequently spent a year working as a Radiation Therapist in Perth, Western Australia before returning to Ireland to work at St. Luke’s Hospital. When St. Luke’s Hospital expanded to become St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network (SLRON) in 2011, she went to work on the Beaumont Campus. Ruth was the Radiotherapy Services Manager at SLRON Beaumont until starting her new role as Director of Radiation Services at SLRON in 2021. She was awarded a MSc in Healthcare Management in 2019 from the RCSI. Special interests include quality improvement, governance in healthcare and stereotactic radiosurgery.

Samantha Ryan

Dublin North East

Samantha Ryan graduated with a BSc in Radiation Therapy and Oncology from Queen Margaret University in 2014 and has over a decade of experience working in both Ireland and the UK across various radiotherapy centers.

She has completed an MSc in Advanced Radiation Therapy and Oncology at Sheffield Hallam University and is currently the Radiation Therapy Research Fellow at St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network. Her research focuses on the OPEN Trial, which explores the feasibility of open facemasks for head and neck patients, as well as the integration of AI into radiotherapy workflows to enhance efficiency and improve patient care.

As a committee member of the Irish Institute of Radiation Therapists and Radiographers, Samantha is dedicated to advancing innovation in radiotherapy, optimizing patient treatment pathways, and supporting the professional development of radiation therapists in Ireland.

Deborah Kelleher

West Radiation Therapy

Workplace: Radiation Therapy Department, Galway University Hospital (GUH)

Qualifications:

PGc Advanced Practice in Radiation Therapy, Sheffield Hallam University (SHU)

PGc Prostate Localisation using Ultrasound (SHU)

BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography- Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh

Commenced masters in September on Advancing Practice in Healthcare- with particular interest in Brachytherapy. Currently studying with QMU.

Professional Experience

Current: Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist, GUH

Previous: Clinical Specialist in Information and Support (ISRT)

Previous: Senior Radiation Therapist, Cork University Hospital (CUH), Basic Grade Therapeutic Radiographer Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology (CCO)

Professional Memberships:

IIRRT, ESTRO, CORU

Special Interests/Research areas:

Brachytherapy- Particularly gynaecological malignancies and service development in this area.

Advanced Practice for Radiation Therapists and professional promotion.

Information & Support for patients undergoing Radiotherapy.  I implemented the post of ISRT in GUH in 2005/2006. It was one of the first advancing practice roles in Radiation Therapy.

As a Radiation Therapist with over 20 years’ clinical experience, I am immensely proud of the profession I work in. I strive to promote the profession at every opportunity, with the aim of improving Radiation therapy services nationally, and in line with international best practice. Currently, I am studying gynaecological brachytherapy, and clinically will be a lead Radiation Therapist in the roll out of a Radiation Therapist led Brachytherapy service in Galway.

IIRRT sub-committess: Professional Development – Advanced Practice, PR & Promotion – Professional & Institute

Sarah McGrath

Dublin Area B Diagnostic

Qualifications: BSc. Radiography in UCD

Workplace: Basic Grade Radiographer at Children’s Health Ireland

Previous: Sarah was previously the National Diagnostic Imaging Student Representative and served on the student subcommittee.

Professional memberships: IIRRT

Special interest: Paediatrics, Professional Development and Education.

 

Therese Mc Loughlin

WestNorthwest Diagnostic 
Qualifications: Radiography, Radiation Safety, Management
Workplace/Professional Experience 
Senior Radiographer based at Sligo University Hospital. Previously worked in Cavan General Hospital, Sydney CT and MR Imaging Centre, Edgecliff, Sydney ,NSW Australia,Northwood Imaging Centre, Sydney,NSW Australia, Merlin Park Hospital Galway, Letterkenny University Hospital, Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin,  Beaumont Hospital and St Vincent’s University Hospital Dublin. Studied at University of Derby with work placements in Queens Medical Centre Nottingham and City Hospital Nottingham,UK.
Professional Membership: IIRRT CORU
Special Interests: General Radiography, PACS, Radiation Safety ,Quality and Leadership, CPD and Workplace Wellbeing.
Previous work experience in CT,MRI, Interventional Radiography & Mammography. Former RPO Cavan General Hospital Radiology Department. Current member of The PACS team in Sligo University Hospital.

Jacqueline Noonan

Area E Diagnostic

Radiography Services Manager 1, Nenagh.

Completed my BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography in Guy’s Hospital, London & remained at Guy’s for a number of years post qualification.

Then moved to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital where I worked in many specialities and many roles including Clinical Specialist Radiographer (Mammography). I study at the Jarvis Breast Screening centre in Guilford attaining the certificate of competency in Mammography. Later  progressing to the role of Superintendent Radiographer.

In 2003, I moved to ULHG to the role of Radiography Services Manager 1, Nenagh.

Key achievements over the last number of years:

  • Project managed the implementation of the National Integrated Medical Imaging System (NIMIS) across the 5 hospitals within UL group and project managed the legacy PACs migration.
  • Project managed the implementation of the National Programme for selective ultrasound screening for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in infants (DDH) into ULHG. Nenagh Radiology offers this group wide service for all risk factor infants within the Mid-West region.
  • Attained postgraduate certificate in advancing practice in Medical Ultrasound at the University of Ulster.

Vicky Cahalane

I graduated from UCD in 1993 with a Bachelor of Radiography. My first job was in St. James’ hospital Dublin, as a summer locum. From there I worked in Cork Regional Hospital for a number of years before heading off travelling, choosing the path less travelled – Co. Laois (no VISA needed). I spent the next couple of years in Portlaoise General Hospital, making some great friends and learning that there is a world outside of my beloved Cork. I brought my new found knowledge back to the rebel county in  1997 and have been in Cork University Hospital  since.

I am currently one of 2 Clinical Specialist Radiographers overseeing Fluoroscopy, Theatre and General X-Ray. I have an interest in Radiographers Continuing professional development and developing strong relationships and collaboration with other professions in the healthcare environment. In addition to my position on Council of the IIRRT, I am a member of the Fitness to practice committee of CORU.

Carla O'Connell

Workplace: Department of Radiation Oncology, Cork University Hospital

Qualifications:

PgC Radiation Safety – University College Dublin (UCD)

MPH Masters of Public Health – University College Cork (UCC)

BSc (Hons) Radiation Therapy- Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

Professional Experience

Current: Radiation Protection Officer, Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist – Cork University Hospital

Previous: Radiation Therapist Galway University Hospital, Radiation Therapist Cork University Hospital

Professional Memberships: IIRRT, ESTRO, CORU

Special Interests/Research areas:

·         Brachytherapy – HDR Gynae and Prostate

·         Radiation Safety

·         Quality Improvement and Risk Management

Gerald Orpen

Radiography Services Manager 1, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Qualifications/Professional Experience: Since graduating in 2013, I have been employed full-time in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. Initially, I worked several years in the PACS office. In 2016, I completed an MSc in Ultrasound at University College Dublin (UCD). In 2019, I completed a postgraduate certificate (PgC) in Radiation Safety (UCD) and worked as the hospital’s Radiation Protection Officer from 2019- 2025. In 2022, I completed a second MSc in Quality & Healthcare Management with the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) Ireland. Most recently in 2024, I completed a one-year PgC in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound with Brunel University London. I maintain my clinical Ultrasound skills through regular rotation in our Ultrasound department, and now locum work with Medica Ireland. In 2025, I was promoted to Radiography Services Manager 1 with special focus in Quality, Risk Management, and Clinical Audit. I regularly present at conferences and professional forums including,

2025, 2023 – National Radiation Safety Study Day, Santry Sports Clinic – Guest Speaker – Implementation of RadMachine (QA/Asset Management System), Cardiology Radiation Safety – Top Tips

2023 Advanced Practice Radiographer Pilot Participant (one of fifteen candidates chosen to partake in a 6-month national pilot Sonographer reporting program scoring a high level of agreement with a local Radiologist)

2023 – British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) & UCD Study Day – Guest Speaker – Lower Limb Ultrasound

· 2022 – European Congress of Radiology (ECR) – Guest Speaker & Practical Demonstrator – DVT Ultrasound

· 2018 – Ongoing – Clinical Assistant Professor (MSc Ultrasound Program). Teaching students and conducting practical assessments

Special Interests:

· Advanced Practice for Radiographers

· Radiation Safety & Legislative Compliance

· Quality, Risk Management, & Hospital Governance Arrangements

· Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

· Project Management

· Staff Professional Development

 

IIRRT sub-committees: Professional standards and best practice guidelines, Conference

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