Meet The Team

Dr Declan Sweeney currently heads the Orthotics Service in St Gabriel’s Foundation and is a recognised expert in the field of orthotics and lower limb biomechanics.  Declan received a first class honours degree in Orthotics & Prosthetics in 2002 from Salford University in Manchester. After graduating he began working in Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital and developed a special interest in orthotics and lower limb biomechanics.  Although primarily based in Dublin he led an outreach orthotic and prosthetic service to Croom Orthopaedic Hospital in Limerick.  In conjunction with St Gabriel’s Foundation in 2007 he established a specialist orthotics service for individuals with complex needs in the Midwest.  Due to demand he later established a specialist foot/ankle clinic that assists in treating children, sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions causing foot/ankle pain.  Declan completed his PhD in 2016 investigating the effects of foot orthoses on lower limb biomechanics, and remains the only PhD qualified Orthotist working in Ireland at present.  He has lectured extensively in Ireland and abroad and has publications attempting to broaden our understanding on the effects of foot orthoses in people.

Waqas has been working as a Senior Orthotist in St Gabriel’s Foundation since 2020.  He graduated with a degree in Orthotics & Prosthetics in 2014 from Mahidol University and completed his master’s degree in 2018 from the University of Malaya.  Waqas has a special interest in paediatrics and foot/ankle biomechanics & orthotics. He has lectured to both undergraduate and postgraduate students in the past.  In addition to managing his busy clinic caseload, he currently acts as an undergraduate clinical supervisor for orthotic & prosthetic students.

Sinead has been working with the Orthotics Department in St Gabriel’s Foundation since 2021.  In addition to assisting with clients queries she is responsible for liaising with suppliers and organising logistics and is also responsible for overseeing both private and HSE invoicing.

Nicola has been working with the Orthotics Department in St Gabriel’s Foundation since 2008.  Nicola assists clients and families with any queries they have relating to appointments.  Nicola liaises with consultants, GP’s, physiotherapists and podiatrists who refer clients to the Private Orthotics service. Nicola is also responsible for ongoing audit of the client and referral databases.