Our Team
100% Personal Attention Always
Sean O’Meara, BSC, MISCP, CORU - Director
A native of Ennis, Sean began his education and training in healthcare in 2004 and completed a two-year Higher Certificate in Physiology & Health Science at IT Carlow. He then went on to study Physiotherapy at Northumbria University in the UK, qualifying as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 2009.
Sean has been a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) and Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports & Exercise Medicine (CPSEM) since 2009. He is a CORU (The Health and Social Care Professionals Council) registered physiotherapist and a certified Oxygen Advantage instructor.
Since qualifying, Sean has worked full time in private practice Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as well as in elite level sport – working with the Clare senior Gaelic footballers. He has gained a wealth of experience working in Ireland, England and Australia.
With a thirst for continued learning and skills development, Sean has completed numerous post-graduate courses in Dry Needling with Club Physio in Ireland and the UK as well as Pilates and Clinical Pilates with DMA Melbourne, Australia. He has completed several Kinesio Taping and RockTape courses, along with multiple Sports Traumatology and Sports Injury programmes.
As sole practitioner, Sean opened Excel Physiotherapy in Ennis in 2010 – and has grown the business to become a team of six full-time physiotherapists and a practice manager. In January 2020 Sean opened a second physiotherapy clinic and Pilates studio in Smithstown, Shannon.
Sean has a strong passion for his work and specialises in hands-on physiotherapy - providing assessment, treatment and advice following injury, surgery and for painful conditions. Over the years he has developed a keen interest in treating neck, back and shoulder pain and has extensive experience in all sports-related injuries. Sean has built up strong connections with Orthopaedic surgeons throughout the country and enjoys assisting clients in their post op recovery.
In 2015 Sean established a Reformer Pilates studio to work alongside the physiotherapy practice – advocating the use of Pilates as a way of staying healthy and as a rehabilitation tool for clients recovering from an injury or operation.
Christer Vik Smetana, MISCP – Manager
Having graduated with a bachelor’s degree (2010) and a master’s degree (2012) from Charles University in Prague, Chris relocated to Ennis to work in private practice. He focuses on a wide variety of Musculoskeletal Injuries and complaints and attends to a mix of sport-related injuries as well as mainstream complaints. Chris enjoys working with a hands-on approach and has seen great results treating clients with low back and neck/shoulder pain – as well as those with pain caused by postural instability. He offers a full range of treatments including Dry Needling, Kinesio Taping and Orthotic prescription.
Chris is a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP), Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports and Exercise Medicine (CPSEM) and Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice (CPPP). He is eager to constantly update his skill set and broaden his horizons in the physiotherapy profession.
Previously a top-level track athlete in his native Norway, earning Gold and Silver medals from Junior and Youth championships, Chris is very at home on the sports field. He currently provides physiotherapy to the Clare Minor Football Panel as well as match cover for several other GAA clubs in county Clare and other sporting events.
Tina Meaney, BSc, MISCP
Tina began her studies at the University of Limerick in 2012, completing the BSc Hons Physiotherapy programme. She gained clinical work experience, including Musculoskeletal Outpatients, Paediatrics, Respiratory, Neurological and Elderly Care. Today Tina is a Chartered Physiotherapist and a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).
Tina takes an evidence-based approach to her work, always setting individualised goals to help each patient achieve optimal results from their therapy. She is experienced in treating sports teams and has worked with her native Crusheen Senior Hurling team for 6 years. Tina has also worked with the Clare Senior Hurling and Camogie teams and the National University of Galway GAA teams.
Prior to pursuing her physiotherapy degree Tina studied Neuromuscular Physical Therapy which focuses on deep tissue massage and sports injuries. Tina is also a Stott Pilates trained instructor and is looking forward to introducing more Reformer Pilates Classes to the Excel Physiotherapy Clinic. Tina’s special areas of interest include treating clients with chronic pain and sports injuries.
Aisling McMahon MISCP, CORU.
Having studied at the University of Limerick where she successfully completed the BSc Hons Physiotherapy programme, Aisling went on to become a CORU registered Chartered Physiotherapist and a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).
Throughout her time at UL, Aisling gained significant experience working in several clinical areas, including Orthopaedics, Cardio-Respiratory Physiotherapy, Age-related and Neurological Rehabilitation, and Outpatient Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. She has also worked with several sports teams, – including her own local club, St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield, Clare underage boys’ soccer teams, and various other Gaelic football and hurling teams.
Aisling enjoys working with an evidence-based approach to her assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. She uses hands-on techniques, as well as patient-centred goal setting, education, and advice to guide patients through their recovery. Aisling is trained in various forms of treatment including Dry Needling and Kinesio Taping. She is very passionate about her work and enjoys helping people of all ages and abilities to improve or restore their mobility, manage painful conditions, and enhance their overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Orlaith O’Neill, BSc, MISCP.
Orlaith is a CORU registered Chartered Physiotherapist and a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP). Orlaith successfully completed the BSc Hons Physiotherapy programme in University College Dublin where she gained clinical work experience in both hospital and private practice settings - focusing on Musculoskeletal Outpatients, Paediatrics, Respiratory, Neurological and Elderly Care.
Orlaith has worked with numerous Dublin-based rugby and GAA teams as well as college athletic and swim teams. She promotes an evidence-based approach to treatment which is also tailored to each patient’s individual goals.
Trained in Dry Needling and offering this as part of her physiotherapy work. Orlaith is also an Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute (APPI) certified instructor. She teaches Pilates in both the Ennis and Shannon clinics, and is known for always trying something new on the Reformer machine.
Elaine Shannon, MISCP, CORU.
Elaine is a native of Lahinch who completed a BSc Hons in Physiotherapy from the University of Salford, Manchester. She is a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).
Throughout her career, Elaine has worked across a range of specialist areas – including Palliative Care, Paediatrics, Musculoskeletal Injuries and in Neurological Wards.
Elaine has completed courses in Dry Needling and has a keen interest in using this as a treatment for several Musculoskeletal Injuries. She teaches Reformer Pilates to many of her patients, post-injury, as well as to those recovering from operations.
Like all Excel professionals, Elaine believes that providing evidence-based treatment is the key to securing the best results for her patients – whether they are recovering from an injury or dealing with a long-term illness.
Elaine is passionate about providing match-side Physiotherapy to many local sports clubs - including football, hurling, camogie and soccer.
Shane Golden, MISCP, CORU.
Shane is a Chartered Physiotherapist, a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) and is CORU registered.
Shane completed a BSc in Biological Sciences in 2013 before going on to earn a Master of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Limerick in 2020. During his clinical placements, Shane gained extensive work experience, including Paediatrics at HSE Galway, Care of the Elderly and Respiratory at University Hospital Limerick, Neurological Physiotherapy at Bons Secours Galway and Outpatients Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at HSE Primary Care in Galway.
Through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Shane is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). This qualification allows him to use a science-based approach to help athletes and other sporting individuals recover and rehabilitate from injury, so optimising their performance.
Shane follows an evidence-based approach to physiotherapy and has a great interest in researching and implementing the latest high-quality research to inform his work and achieve patient-centered goals.
In clinic, Shane consults on a blend of sports-related injuries as well as common injuries such as neck, back, shoulder hip and knee complaints. The treatments he offers include Manual Therapy, Therapeutic Exercise, Dry Needling and Kinesio Taping.
From Sixmilebridge, Shane has a keen interest in sports, coaching and fitness. He plays Hurling with Sixmilebridge Club and is a member of the Clare Senior Hurling team.