You are invited to connect with industry colleagues for an afternoon of insight and an opportunity to build valuable connections with peers, partners and leaders, April 30, 12pm to 4pm, Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare.
Event Progamme
| Time | Event |
| 12.00pm – 12.45pm | Arrival, networking lunch and visit exhibitors |
| 12.50pm – 12.55pm | Welcome: Mr John Halpin, MRII President |
| 12.55pm to 1.15pm | Opening Address – Mr Shane Ryan, President, Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association Topic: ‘Ireland Pharma Future in Focus – Delivering for Patients’ |
| 1.15pm – 1.45pm | Dr Orlaith Kelly, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Connolly Hospital (Blanchardstown, Dublin), in conversation with, Victoria Spillane, Interim Chief Operations Officer at Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland (CCI) “But you don’t look sick…” |
| 1.45pm – 2.15pm | Dr Michael Keane Medical Doctor, Neuroscientist “An old brain for a new world: the science of stress, choice and change” |
| 2.30pm – 3.00pm | Networking break and visit exhibitors |
| 3.00pm – 3.15pm | Examination 2026 Presentations: Dr B.D. Place Medal, supported by the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA). Presentation of MRII Examination certificates, by John Halpin, MRII President. Official handover of MRII chain of office. |
| 3.15pm – 3.45pm | Tom Coleman |
Event Speakers
Ireland Pharma Future in Focus – Delivering for Patients
Mr Shane Ryan, President, Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association and General Manager Ireland, Takeda.
Shane has been General Manager at Takeda for a number of years and was part of their startup team in Ireland. He has more than 25 years biopharmaceutical industry experience having worked with a number of companies in a variety of roles from customer facing through to strategic management. Shane currently serves on several industry boards. He holds third level qualifications in Chemistry, Marketing and Business and is the President of the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association(IPHA). He recently led the industry negotiation team to positively conclude negotiations on the IPHA- State Framework Agreement. Shane has a particular interest in equitable access to medicine, industry reputation and its societal impact. He also is an advocate for patient empowerment and digital health solutions.
But you don’t look sick…
Many people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) appear well, yet face complex physical, emotional, and social challenges. In this candid conversation, Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Orlaith Kelly and Victoria Spillane, Interim COO of Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland, who has lived experience with Crohn’s disease, explore the realities behind the invisible illness. Attendees will gain insight into the patient journey, the clinical complexities of IBD, and the barriers patients face to optimal care. This session will equip you with a deeper understanding of patient and clinician perspectives.
Dr Orlaith Kelly, Consultant Gastroenterologist
Dr Orlaith Kelly is a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Connolly Hospital (Blanchardstown, Dublin), with a subspecialty focus on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and endoscopy. Dr Kelly holds a PhD in epithelial physiology from Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), where Dr Kelly also serves as an Honorary Senior Lecturer. As National Specialty Director for Training in Gastroenterology for Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) and Workforce-Planning Lead for the national Gastroenterology and Hepatology Programme (HSE), Dr Kelly combines clinical practice with education and research.
Victoria Spillane, Interim Chief Operations Officer at Crohn's and Colitis Ireland (CCI)
Victoria Spillane is Interim Chief Operations Officer at Crohn's and Colitis Ireland (CCI), using her own lived experience of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to advocate for those living with the disease in Ireland. Diagnosed in her early teens with Crohn's disease, she underwent major surgery, including stoma placement, and has since built a career in patient-advocacy, support services, and public engagement. Through her role at CCI she works to raise awareness, support, and empowerment for people living with IBD across Ireland.
'An old brain for a new world: the science of stress, choice and change'
Our brains were not built for the constant stress of the modern world. Our brain creates stress responses in milliseconds, much faster than conscious awareness - and is overwhelmed by modern demands. Managing stress, therefore is not about avoiding stress but about managing it in a skilful way. In this talk, Michael will take you through how our old brain reacts to the world around us and how we are easily hijacked, and will discuss practical strategies for how to develop a resilient brain.
Attend this session to:
Understand the stress response in our body and brain.
Learn why trying to avoid stress - and the false promise of eliminating stress - is part of the stress cycle.
Build resilience in practical ways, by understanding how our bodies and brains work.
Dr. Michael Keane, Medical Doctor, Neuroscientist
Dr Michael Keane is a Behavioural Neuroscientist, Doctor and a recognised expert in neurotechnology. He’s widely published in clinical and neuroscience literature. He has pioneered 3D functional brain imaging, linking brain function to behaviour across elite performers and clinical populations. He is currently working on building AI-based ADHD assessments with partners in the Middle East, as well as AI-powered brain health assessments to be launched in September 2026.
'From the edge of burnout to peak performance
Recovery is the hidden engine of high performance, enhancing focus, memory, emotional control, resilience, creativity and long-term health. The top performers are not the ones operating at full tilt; they are the ones who know how to reset, restore and re-energise with precision. In this session, Tom breaks down the key pressures driving stress, fatigue and burnout, and explains the biology behind them. He then provides clear, evidence-based recovery strategies that help you shift from survival mode to peak performance.
Mr Tom Coleman, Health Scientist & Sleep Coach
Tom is a passionate advocate for health who helps people transform their lives and their sleep and recovery strategies through proven evidence-base science. Tom’s approach and techniques are based on our biology rather than psychology. That means they work whether you believe them or not.
Moderator: Eoghan Tomás McDermott, The Communications Clinic
Eoghan Tomás McDermott is the Managing Director of The Communications Clinic. He is personal coach and advisor to a number of Chief Executives of large corporates, both indigenous and multi-national. Eoghan advises clients ranging from Cabinet Ministers to many of Ireland’s top sportspeople. Eoghan is a regular contributor on Irish media, including Today FM's The Last Word, Virgin Media's Ireland AM, as well as shows on Newstalk and RTE.
Accommodation rates at venue for delegates/exhibitors:
Single Occupancy Bed & Breakfast : €175.00 per room per night – Double / Twin Occupancy Bed & Breakfast : €190.00 per room per night. Telephone 045 887 400 to book (quoting MRII conference).
Look back at Pulse 2025 – a video summary of the day!
Check our gallery page for 2025 event photos.
Any company wishing to attend the trade exhibition that will run in conjunction Pulse please email here.