Cian’s Kennels extend team as service continues to grow

Cian’s Kennels have made two new appointments – Duncan Gruselle and Emily Reilly.

Duncan, who is originally from Cambridge and moved to Westmeath in 2007, has been appointed as operations director, and Emily, a Longford native and avid Longford Slashers GAA player, has been appointed as community engagement, social media and PR manager.

The appointments mark a new chapter for Cian’s Kennels as they expand their charitable work and strengthen their service offering in Dublin, the midlands and beyond.

Driven by a mission to bring comfort, companionship and hope to those who need it most, Cian’s Kennels bring pets to visit sick children and their families, while also providing pet therapy visits in the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingarand CHI Crumlin Hospital.

In his new role, Duncan will oversee the delivery and development of Cian’s Kennels services. In 2025 he helped design and launch Cian’s Kennels Mobile Pet Therapy Service for Mullingar hospital.

Ireland’s first hospital-based mobile pet therapy programme, it offers children the opportunity to experience the comfort, companionship and joy that only a therapy dog can bring.

The service is delivered by a team of local volunteer therapy dog handlers and volunteer drivers.

“Having started as a volunteer in 2022, it has been a rewarding experience to be part of the services Cian’s Kennels provide,” said Duncan.

“As more volunteers join the team, our aim is to increase our existing services to children and young people in Mullingar hospital, and to expand the services to other hospitals in the region and across Ireland.”

In her new role, Emily will help further grow the reach of the charity. “It is a privilege to join Cian’s Kennels and be part of an organisation who change lives through the bond between children and their pets. Seeing the smiles our visits bring to sick children, their families, and those benefiting from pet therapy is inspiring.

“I look forward to helping grow our community engagement, raising awareness of the work being done, and encouraging more people to support our mission.”

Evelyn Neary, founder and director of the charity, said the appointments mark the beginning of the next chapter for the charity. “We are delighted to welcome Duncan and Emily to our team as we enter an important new phase of growth.

“Our mission remains to support as many families as possible through our pet therapy services and family pet visits. The addition of these roles represents a significant investment in strengthening our existing volunteer teams, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and compliance, and expanding our services nationwide.

“We look forward to this exciting new chapter as we continue to enhance the support we provide to families across the country.”