Our Team
John Donovan
FOUNDER
M.I.S.C.P (Member of Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists) B.Sc. (Physio) Hons, Licentiate in Acupuncture, Certificate in Manual Therapy.
John qualified from Trinity College Dublin in 1997 with an Honours Degree in Physiotherapy. After qualifying he worked in the Meath and Tallaght Hospital and during that time completed a Licentiate in Acupuncture. John has worked in private practice since 2000 and set up Esker Physiotherapy in 2003. He spent a year in Australia where he completed a Certificate in Manual Therapy at Curtin University.John was physiotherapist to the Leinster and Ireland U18 Rugby teams and spent three years as physiotherapist to the Leinster Senior Rugby team.
He specialises in the treatment of sports and spinal injuries with a special interest in exercise based rehabilitation. Since June 2008 John has concentrated fully on private practice.
Daphne Walpole
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Daphne qualified from Trinity College Dublin in 1987 and has gained extensive experience in both the hospital and private settings in Ireland and Australia.
As part of her commitment to continuing professional development, she regularly completes post graduate courses across a wide spectrum of professional interests. She completed courses and passed the exam to become a member of the Irish Society of Orthopaedic Medicine in 1996.
She trained and passed the exam to become a Certified Stott Pilates instructor in 2006. Daphne served on the committee and was secretary of the Chartered Physiotherapists in Sport, for a number of years.
She specialises in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems, using manual therapy, individualised exercise prescription, postural education, dry needling, electrotherapy and orthotic prescription, as deemed necessary on assessment.
She has over 30 years of experience, treating and rehabilitating patients with a wide variety of conditions including spinal pain, sports injuries and biomechanical problems.
Daphne has a special interest in the use of pilates exercise in the management and prevention of pain. She instructs a number of pilates classes in the clinic each week.
Colm Coughlan
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Colm graduated from DCU (Dublin City University) in 2010 with a BSc in Athletic Therapy and Training. He completed his BSc in Physiotherapy at TCD (Trinity College Dublin) in 2013.
Since graduating Colm has worked in private practise and has built vast experience in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions with a particular interest in treating chronic lower back pain.
He is a passionate sportsman and has represented his county, Offaly, at all levels in hurling and continues to compete with his club Kinnitty. This passion has let to him working in elite sport. Colm was Clinical Lead Physiotherapist with Sigerson Cup and Fitzgibbon Cup GAA Teams in DCU for several years and is currently Clinical Lead Physiotherapist for Offaly GAA Senior Hurling Team.
Colm continually strives to develop his skills as a physiotherapist; he holds qualifications in Dry Needling and has attended numerous CPD (Continuing Professional Development) events.
Colm’s specialist areas: Sports injuries; particularly ACL rehabilitation, chronic groin pain, hamstring injuries and rehabilitation in return to sport, lower back pain, and lower limb tendinopathy.
Gay Williams
PRACTICE ADMINISTRATOR
Gay joined the practice in 2014. She brings a wealth of administrative experience, kindness and understanding to the clinic. She is the first person you will come into contact with when you arrive at Esker Physiotherapy Clinic and the person who will co-ordinate your appointments in the clinic. Gay will coordinate any third-party medical specialists you may need to see.
John Prenty
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
John graduated from the University of Bradford in 2007 with a BSc Honours Degree in physiotherapy.
Since graduating John has worked in private practice and has built vast experience in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. John continues to attend Post Graduate Training Courses and his qualifications include Dry Needling, Orthotic Prescription, Trigger Point Therapy and Kinesio-taping. John has also been involved as a part-time tutor in DCU to undergraduate students.
John is a keen sportsman who has represented his county, Mayo, at all levels. He has been Head Physiotherapist for Dublin City University GAA and Athletics Academy. These students ranged from senior inter county GAA players to elite Olympic bound athletes. He was also physiotherapist to many senior club teams in Dublin and has been involved with the Dublin U16, Minor and U21 teams over the years.