Our Team

Debbie Grey

Chief Executive

MBA, MA

Debbie obtained an MBA in Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries at Liverpool Management School, UK. She joined the IEC in March 2023. Debbie started working in the racing industry in the UK in 2016 after being in the IT world. She worked for the Injured Jockeys Fund, The Racing Centre and National Association of Racing Staff. Debbie has had an interest in horses all her life breeding both warmbloods and thoroughbreds.

Alan Creighton

Head of Environment & Nutrition

Alan Creighton holds an Honours Degree in Food Science and Nutrition from the Dublin Institute of Technology and joined the Irish Equine Centre (IEC) in 1995. Initially working in the Microbiology Unit, he was appointed Environmental Scientist in 1999 and later became Head of Environment and Nutrition in 2017. Alan works closely with trainers, stud owners and governing bodies, both in Ireland and internationally, advising on equine biosecurity, nutrition, performance, and grassland management. Alan lectures on the same subjects in various educational institutions and universities. A former showjumper, he remains actively involved in the thoroughbred industry as a breeder and pinhooker.

Professor Ann Cullinane

Head of Virology

MVB, PhD, MRCVS

A veterinary graduate from University College Dublin (UCD) with a PhD in equine virology from the University of Glasgow, Ann has been Head of the Virology Unit at the Irish Equine Centre (IEC) since 1987. As a World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) designated expert for equine influenza and equine herpesvirus, she is responsible for the WOAH reference laboratories located at the IEC. Ann is an Adjunct Professor at UCD and has published over 90 peer-reviewed papers that illustrate her commitment to vaccinology, diagnostics and disease control. She chairs the WOAH Expert Surveillance Panel on equine influenza and, in 2021, was elected Vice President of the WOAH Biological Standards Commission.

Kerrie Kavanagh

Head of Microbiology

Kerrie has over 24 years of experience managing the INAB-accredited Microbiology Lab as Senior Microbiologist at the Irish Equine Centre. With a European Master’s in Food Science and ongoing PhD research at the University of Limerick, Kerrie’s work involves dealing with outbreaks such as Strangles and Salmonella, reproductive venereal pathogens, enteric investigations, parasitology, epidemiology, water & environmental monitoring & disinfectant efficacy trials for various companies, as well as liaising and advising clients. Kerrie has developed a keen interest in the microbiology of the gut and the microbiome across all species of animals. A large part of her work involves analysing samples from horses and dogs for gut profiling and formulation of suitable autogenous probiotics.

Patrick Kelly

Head of Finance

FCCA, MAAT

Patrick is a Chartered Accountant and was educated at University of Westminster London and Dublin Business School. He joined the IEC in June 2017 taking on the role of Head of Finance. Previously, Patrick has worked as a Finance Director for US plc’s listed on the NASDAQ and New York stock exchanges in the technology and software sectors. Patrick has had a huge interest in the racing industry all his life.

Desmond P. Leadon

Clinical Consultant

MA, MVB, MSc, FRCVS, DipECEIM

Des was educated at Blackrock College, graduated as a Veterinary Surgeon from Trinity College Dublin in 1975 and returned there for his post-graduate MSc. studies. He came to the Centre in April 1984 having returned home to Ireland from the Rossdale practice in Newmarket, where he completed his studies on equine prematurity, with Dr. Peter Rossdale, which resulted in the award of Fellowship of the RCVS. Des is a founding Vice-President of the European College of Equine Internal Medicine, a Past President of BEVA and of WEVA, and is Veterinary Advisor to the ITBA.

Jill Bryan

Head of Pathology

BSc (Vet Path), MVB, DipECEIM, FRCPath, MRCVS

RCVS specialist in Veterinary Pathology (Equine)

Jill qualified from University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003, having also completed a BSc in Veterinary Pathology at the Royal Veterinary College as part of her undergraduate training. After three years in first opinion equine and small animal practice she undertook a residency in Equine Internal Medicine at the University Veterinary Hospital in Dublin and became a diplomate of the European College of Equine Internal Medicine in 2011. After a further period in practice, she subsequently returned to University College Dublin, completing a residency in Veterinary Pathology and obtaining her fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2016. On completion of her training, Jill worked as a Lecturer in Veterinary Pathology in University College Dublin before moving to Newmarket, UK, where for the past 7 years she has worked as an equine diagnostic pathologist at a specialist equine laboratory. She has a wealth of experience in all aspects of equine diagnostic pathology, with particular interests in equine abortion investigation and infectious diseases, and in 2019 was awarded recognised specialist status in equine veterinary pathology by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. She is also involved in collaborative research, publishing in peer reviewed journals and regularly speaking at veterinary conferences.

Jill brings a wealth of expertise in equine diagnostic pathology and internal medicine, and her extensive experience and dedication to the field will make her a highly valuable addition to our team.