Profile: Physiotherapist

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.

Also known in the clinic as ‘T’, is a clinical specialist physiotherapist in SSC Sports Medicine. Thilina’s experience encompasses treating a broad range of sports and orthopaedic injuries. However, he predominantly focuses on lower limb rehabilitation with an interest in knee rehabilitation. He is CORU registered and a chartered physiotherapist with the ISCP.

Thilina also holds the title of APA Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist with the Australian Physiotherapists Association.Thilina is currently completing his PhD into sensorimotor dysfunction following ACL reconstruction. He also holds a Masters in Sports Physiotherapy (University of Queensland) and a Masters in High Performance Sport (Australian Catholic University), alongside his BSc of Physiotherapy (University of Sydney).

Thilina has more than 12 years of experience working with recreational, Olympic and elite athletes from various sports: GAA, rugby, cricket, Aussie rules, netball and athletics. He is a level 1 strength and conditioning coach with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association and is currently completing his level 2 accreditation.Outside of the clinic, Thilina works with the Senior Mens Monaghan Football Team.

Luke Fogarty is a physiotherapist who joined UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in 2022, initially spending a year with the IPOP team before moving into Sports Medicine. Luke has developed significant experience in the management of post-operative, acute and chronic spinal, upper and lower limb patients, and concussion, with a particular clinical interest in concussion rehabilitation. Prior to completing his MSc in physiotherapy in UL in 2021, he completed a bachelor’s in biomedical engineering in NUIG. Currently he is completing a master’s in research through RCSI, investigating the role of cervical focused treatment in concussion rehabilitation.

He has worked extensively with both the general and athletic population, treating musculoskeletal pathology across all levels of recovery and performance. Luke’s experience includes working closely with consultants as part of a multidisciplinary team in both ward-based post-operative care and outpatient sports medicine settings. Alongside his clinical practice, he has applied his expertise at an intercounty level, serving as physiotherapist to the Meath senior hurling team over the past two seasons, and most recently joining Meath senior football performance department.

David is a Senior Physiotherapist at UPMC SSC Sports Medicine who works primarily across the lower limb rehabilitation streams with a special interest in Foot & Ankle rehabilitation. He enjoys treating complex post-operative and chronic ankle injuries.He is currently completing his PhD in return to sport following Achilles Tendon repair through the University of Roehampton. David also holds a Masters in Sports Injury Rehabilitation from the University of Salford, in addition to his BSc in Physiotherapy from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

David has a history of working in professional sporting environments having spent a number of years living in the UK where he worked with Premier League football clubs: Wolves & Burnley FC. This experienced has allowed David to develop his skills in rehabilitation from the acute injury phase to end stage return to play phase.

Currently outside of the clinic, David works with Hockey Ireland as a physiotherapist across a number of their international squads. He is a keen hockey player himself, currently playing at senior club level and previously having played at underage international level for Ireland. is interested in learning the effect of resistance training or the musculoskeletal system, quality of life of patients with persistent low back pain. Katie has always enjoyed working as part of a team; she has developed strong working relationships with her colleagues in SSC including Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Consultants, which enables clear communication and facilitates easy onward referral if required.