Our trustees

Michael Cronin

chair of trustees

Michael has spent most of his career at Newmarket Co-operative Creameries where he was CEO for 18 years. During that time, Michael held overall responsibility for the strategic direction and management of the company until 2010, when the company was successfully sold to the Kerry Group.

In 1998, Michael joined the board of Ornua (Irish Dairy Board) and in 2002, he was elected Chairman and he held this position until 2010. Since 2012, Michael has been the Chairman of Agrifood Business Partners, a consultancy company with extensive experience in the agri-food sector.

Michael is currently a board member with Bord Bia, AnaBio Technologies Ltd. and Truly Irish Country Foods. He is also Chairman of the Consumer Foods Board of Bord Bia.

In 2018 he was appointed by the Minister of Agriculture to Chair a new 2030 Stakeholders’ Forum to devise proposals and strategy to help achieve the eradication of TB in cattle by 2030 in Ireland.

He has a particular interest in community development and is Chairman of his local community development group.

Michael joined as a Trustee in 2020.

Tim Kirby

Tim graduated with an honours veterinary degree from University College Dublin in 2002. He has vast experience in all aspects of veterinary practice gained through his work both Ireland and the UK. In 2006, Tim achieved a certificate in general equine medicine and surgery. He was also the attending veterinary surgeon at several UK racecourses and is a highly competent clinical vet.

In 2010, Tim was appointed by a major animal health company as a veterinary advisor During his time there, time he held managerial roles for multi-disciplinary teams of up-to 100 people, in developing new health products to protect animals.

Tim has also completed and achieved a green belt distinction in Lean 6 sigma, a process efficiency tool used across all industries and has been awarded a distinction in people management. In 2017, Tim was appointed as a consultant to another animal health company where he developed a global five year strategic plan with defined budgets.

Tim was a Trustee at the USPCA, for four years until 2019. During that time, the charity underwent considerable positive change, resulting in a sound and sustainable, financial and operational organisation.

In 2019 Tim developed Pet-bond, the only safe online platform where people can source a happy and healthy pet. Pet-bond involves professional stakeholders across Ireland, ensuring that animal health and welfare is prioritised as people seek new pets.

Tim is keen to contribute in advancing the welfare of donkeys, and the vision of the organisation.

Tim joined as a Trustee in 2020.

Dan McCarthy

Dan McCarthy is a business graduate of University College Dublin and a technology graduate of Dublin City University. He is also a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.

Having spent over 30 years in the professional and corporate environments mainly in Country Leadership, Finance, Operations, Risk Management, Compliance and Audit across the pharmaceutical, drinks, financial services and technology sectors.

Dan is now assisting a number of organisations in the volunteering, not for profit and charitable sectors where he believes he can share his experience and provide a contribution as a Non-Executive Director.

Dan is based in Dublin and spends as much time as he can in West Cork. He is a keen golfer and boating enthusiast.

Dan joined as a Trustee in 2020.

Philip Merrills Dearn

Philip has worked for over 20 years as an in-house IT lawyer with HP and Twitter. He now currently works as General Counsel for Riley Cillian.

In addition, Philip has been a director of ERP Ireland chartered by the Department of Environment, Climate Action & Environment for recycling battery waste and packaging materials in Ireland.

Philip also provides pro bono legal support to the Irish Cancer Society and several IT start ups. In their spare time, Philip, his wife Julie and two teenage boys run a small holding in County Meath.

Philip joined as a Trustee in 2020.

Karen Rickards

Karen has worked for The Donkey Sanctuary UK (parent charity) since 2007, initially managing the clinical team and travelling to TDS European bases to support the provision of veterinary services

In 2022 Karen became the Director of Equine Operations and now leads the veterinary and welfare teams in the UK but continues to work closely with all aspect of TDS equine operations across the charity group.

Karen holds a PhD in equine infectious diseases and is the author of numerous scientific publications relating to donkeys and mules.

Karen joined as a trustee in 2022.

David Hannan

David has been a Guardian Homeowner since 2020 to beloved donkeys Mick & Eamon. He is passionate about animal welfare and has interests in agriculture from working part time on his family farm.

David is also a qualified Management Accountant and currently works as a Finance Business Partner for the Rural Economy & Development Programme at Teagasc. He holds qualifications in CIMA - Associate Chartered Management Accountant, MSc. Management and Bachelor of Commerce.

While working with companies across a range of industries, in the public and private sector he has developed skills in finance, management accounting, budgeting & forecasting, management reporting and business analysis.

David is based in Limerick; he is a keen marathon runner, a passionate supporter of Limerick GAA and father of two.

David joined as a trustee in 2024.