Meet The Team

John Sands
John SandsVeterinary Surgeon
John qualified as a vet from UCD in 2005. Originally from a dairy farm in Rathfriland, Co. Down he worked in predominantly cattle and sheep practices in Co. Tyrone, and Co. Down for almost 7 years, before moving to a more small animal focused role in Downpatrick, Co.Down. He worked for over 4 years developing a keen interest and specializing in orthopaedic surgery. He moved to Baltinglass in 2016 to set up Slaney Vets with his wife Michelle and his 3 daughters. He has a herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle which keep him busy and enoys music in his spare time.
Michelle Frayne
Michelle FrayneVeterinary Surgeon
Michelle qualified as a veterinary surgeon from UCD in 2007. Following this she worked in a busy large animal practice in Co. Donegal, before moving to a mixed practice in Co. Down. In 2010 she moved into a more small- animal focused role. She moved to Baltinglass in 2016 with her husband John after her 3rd daughter was born and from there Slaney Vets was born. She has a keen interest in medicine, and attained her postgrad certificate in small animal medicine from the ESVPS (European School of Veterinary Post Grad Studies) in 2017. She is currently studying for her postgrad certificate in small animal surgery. Her 3 daughters keep her busy when she’s not in work alongside their 2 cocker spaniels (Skyler and Indie), one stubborn rescue Labrador X (Junior), a very sassy cat (Owee), and a mischievous kitten (Oreo) who has recently adopted them.
Katie Tyrrell-Stafford
Katie Tyrrell-StaffordVeterinary Surgeon
Katie joined our team in 2020. Originally from a Jersey dairy farm she qualified from UCD in 2004 and worked initially in mixed practice before starting with us, where she now works solely as one of our small animal vets. She has a keen interest in surgery, wound care and pain management and has helped us streamline the practice into what it is today. When not at work Katie spends her time looking after her 2 hyper boxers Thor and Loki, her loveable labradoodle named Zulu and her crazy cats; Crackers, Mac, Josephine and Molly, who along with her 3 kids help keep her house busy. She enjoys horse riding and hiking in her spare time.
Sarah McGuirk
Sarah McGuirkVeterinary Nurse
Sarah started with us in 2018 upon graduating from veterinary nursing at UCD. Her amazing nursing skills and her calm nature help ensure our clinic runs as smoothly as it does. Her attention to patient care and welfare is second to none, and her fantastic anaesthesia skills ensures our patients enjoy the best care possible. She has a special interest in pain management and excels at emergency care. She is constantly updating policies to ensure that our patient care protocols are as up to date as possible, and that our patients are as comfortable and relaxed as possible during their stay with us. In her spare time she enjoys GAA, yoga and travelling. She has a constantly starving Labrador at home named Brody, a cheeky terrier called Cooper, and a nonchalent horse named Woody
Bernie Molloy
Bernie MolloyReceptionist
Bernie started with us when we began in 2016 and helps run all aspects of the hospital. She he has a wealth of knowledge and is a huge asset to the practice. Normally found at front of house she keeps the practice running smoothly. Married to dry stock farmer, and baling contractor Robert she has 2 sons and 5 grandchildren, who all keep her very busy. She is an avid GAA supporter and can be found travelling the country supporting Rathvilly and Carlow GAA and community games teams. She has 2 gorgeous energetic boxers named Rocky and Bruno
Esther Dowling
Esther DowlingReceptionist/Accounts Manager
Esther joined our team in Spring of 2023. Originally hailing from a suckler and sheep farm she settled straight into the madness of our team in Spring and now is a central member of our team. When she’s not in cuddling and adoring the patients upon arrival she can be found front of house and managing accounts. She has endless energy and is always ready for a chat. A busy mother of 2 teenagers she can be found endlessly touring the country with her horse box in her spare time whilst also looking after her 3 dogs- an adorable Labrador called Belle, a loveable whippet cross called Coco and a cheeky Jack Russell named Arlo. She was recently adopted by 2 adorable kittens Dermot and Dave.
Molly Ann Kavanagh
Molly Ann Kavanagh
Molly Ann joined us in 2023 after completing her college work experience with us and impressing us all with her skills and dedication to the role. She accepted a place studying Animal Healthcare in Dun Laoghaire IT this September, and works with us in her free time alongside these studies. Her goal is to progress to studying veterinary nursing in the near future. She assists in all areas of animal husbandry, patient care and surgical preparation in the hospital. In her free time she can often be found pet sitting for friends and family. She also enjoys socializing and following sport.
Peter Griffin
Peter GriffinVeterinary Surgeon
Peter qualified as a veterinary surgeon from UCD in 1963. Originally from North Co. Dublin, he has dedicated his entire veterinary career to the area of Baltinglass. He established his own veterinary practice in 1995, which he grown from originally a 1 man practice, to employing 6 members of staff at it’s prime. An excellent surgeon, his vast knowledge on all aspects of veterinary medicine is immeasurable. His interest and love of the job is still unwavering, and he is passionate about always helping clients to maximise their animals’ health. Married to Mary, he has one son and 2 grandchildren. In his spare time, he is kept busy with his herd of Simmental cows. He also breeds thoroughbred horses. 
Maureen Balfe
Maureen BalfeTb assistant/ Part time sales assistant
Maureen started with us in 2016. When not out on farms recording TB tests she can be found in the office\shop on Saturdays. From a farming background originally, she took over the family farm, where she now breeds purebred Charolais cattle. She also keeps sheep. Married to Vincent, she has 1 son and 2 dogs, Messi and Shep.