Profile: Physiotherapist

Andrew Gilsenan Kavanagh is a physiotherapist in the Sports Medicine Department here at UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic.

Daniel Morgan is a physiotherapist here at UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic, Sports Medicine Department in Santry Dublin.

Niall Ward is a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist at UPMC SSC Sports Medicine department. Niall is the lead Upper Limb Physiotherapist within the rehabilitation service and has 10+ years of experience within elite sporting environments. Niall is well versed in rehabilitating post-surgical, conservative and complex upper limb injuries.
Niall completed his Physiotherapy undergraduate degree at the Ulster University, Belfast, where he also completed post graduate training in Sport & Exercise Medicine. In 2024, Niall attended St. Mary’s University, Twickenham where he completed an MSc in Applied & Clinical Biomechanics with a special focus on the shoulder.
Niall’s clinical expertise involves assessment, rehabilitation and testing of the upper limb, providing athletes and patients alike with rehabilitation direction so they can return to their pre-injury level of activity.

Rory Byrne is a Senior Physiotherapist at UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic’s Sports Medicine Department.

Daniel Cleary, is a Physiotherapist at UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic, Sports Medicine Department in Santry, Dublin.

Aaron Stapleton is a Chartered Physiotherapist whose practice centres on the rehabilitation of lower limb injuries and the management of post-concussion. Holding a Ba Hons in Physiotherapy from RCSI, he applies his experience from working in professional soccer to his clinical practice. Aaron’s approach integrates targeted exercise prescription, and return-to-sport protocols to restore function and performance. He has a special interest in managing athletes in combat sports, and field sport athletes. Aaron is registered with CORU and is a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).

Sam is a highly qualified and experienced MSK and Sports Physiotherapist. He spent six years at UPMC SSC completing his PhD in Athletic Groin Pain and Rehabilitation and becoming the Lead Hip and Groin Specialist. In this role, he oversaw the management, training, and ongoing development of multidisciplinary teams, helping deliver world-leading, evidence-based rehabilitation programs tailored to both patients and high-performance athletes.

With a wealth of clinical and sporting experience across AFL, baseball, cricket, GAA football, and most recently Leinster Rugby, Sam brings a comprehensive understanding of the unique demands faced by athletes at all levels. He is committed to providing individualised, data-driven care that supports safe return to sport, optimises performance, and prioritises long-term health.

As Head of Rehabilitation, Sam will champion a patient-centred approach that ensures every individual receives consistent, high-quality care. He aims to cultivate an enjoyable and supportive working environment where excellence in patient outcomes is paramount, and where both staff and athletes are encouraged to pursue continual improvement and reach their full potential.

Vanessa O’Connor is a highly skilled and knowledgeable physiotherapist who plays an integral role in the Sports Medicine department at UPMC SSC. She completed her BSc in Physiotherapy at Trinity College Dublin and is a current member of the ISCP.

Since joining UPMC SSC in 2020, Vanessa has gained valuable experience in elective orthopaedic inpatient and post-operative care, as well as in the management of a variety of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Vanessa has a particular interest in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, and her expertise in this area is highly valued by both her colleagues and her patients. She is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in her field, and is currently working towards her strength and conditioning accreditation with the UKSCA. Vanessa is a compassionate and empathetic practitioner, who is deeply committed to helping her patients achieve their goals and return to optimal health and function.