Collins, Professor Rónán
Doctor and Consultant Geriatrician
Rónán Collins is a medical graduate of UCC (1992) and masters of medicine graduate TCD (2002). A native of Kinsale Co. Cork, he now resides in Dublin with his wife and two daughters.
A Leading Voice in Health, Innovation, and Intergenerational Solidarity
Consultant Geriatrician at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) since 2005 and Clinical Associate Professor in Medical Gerontology at TCD. As first Director of Stroke Services at TUH, introduced acute stroke unit care and telemedicine services—key advancements in healthcare delivery.
Fellow of Royal Colleges of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI), UK and European Stroke Organisation. Member of Irish Gerontological Society and Irish Africa Alliance for Non Communicable Diseases (IAANCD)
A Champion for Ireland’s Future – Age-Friendly by Design
I believe Ireland must be age-friendly by design to meet the demographic challenges:
1 in 4 of us will experience stroke or dementia.
1 in 10 will suffer a hip fracture.
This is a societal challenge. “We must design a healthcare system we’d all be proud to be treated by, trained by, and work in—harnessing technology, research, and innovation to provide dignity and care for every generation.”
A Proven Leader in Research and Policy
Rónán has driven collaborative research to improve treatment and deliver better outcomes:
Lead Author of Ireland’s National Stroke Strategy 2022-2027.
Senior Author on intercollegiate National Clinical Guideline for Stroke in UK and Ireland
Irish Principal Investigator for major international trials, including the TICH-3 Trial and EHRA-PATHs
(EU Horizon 2020 to improve care pathways).Cross institutional collaborations on stroke research at NUI Maynooth and RCSI
Author and co-author of 70+ research papers and multiple book chapters.
As current National Clinical Lead for Stroke and former Vice President of the RCPI, Rónán has shaped policies that impact lives across the whole island of Ireland.
A Voice for the Arts, Sport, and Community
Rónán understands that health is about more than medicine—it’s about community, creativity, and connection:
Arts in Health: Innovative Arts Council /Meath foundation -funded projects with Ian Wilson in “Bewitched” (narrative on stroke) and “Same as it Ever Was” (intergenerational exploration of music) and “The Healing Station” with late Poet Michael McCarthy.
Green Spaces for Wellbeing: Promoting importance of our natural environment for mental and physical health where we live and work.
Sport for Health and Connection: As a former hurler, footballer and cricket player, Rónán understands sport brings people together across generations. Currently collaborating with ExWell Medical to help stroke survivors reclaim their healthy lives.
Why Rónán Collins for the NUI Senate?
Experience: Decades of leadership in healthcare, research and policy.
Vision: Building an age-friendly Ireland that fosters intergenerational solidarity and innovation.
Compassion: A deep belief in dignity, equality, opportunity for every generation.
As an NUI Senator, Rónán will champion:
1. Better Healthcare for All: Driving policies to prioritize lifelong healthy ageing and better hospital design
2. Education and Research: Ensuring universities remain at forefront of health innovation.
3. Community and Connection: Promoting arts, sport and nature as integral to national wellbeing.
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