Nóirín Ní Shimidh

Ludo 2002-2017

Nóirín graduated from University College Dublin in 1988 and then worked in Cornwall, Wales and Northern Ireland for 10 years, gaining a post graduate qualification in diagnostic imaging along the way.

She joined the practice when she came home in 1998. Nóirín is particularly interested in pain management, the detective work of internal medicine and dermatology, cat medicine and dentistry.

Her main hobby is veterinary medicine so much of her spare time is spent studying and investigating new ideas, but she has recently taken up running and orienteering – although her version looks a lot like getting lost in the woods…..

Karen Piggott

Karen studied in UCD, Dublin and graduated as a veterinary surgeon in 2008. She spent the next six years gaining valuable experience in small animal practice in both the UK and Ireland before joining the team here in September 2014.

She has a particular interest in surgery, dermatology and rehabilitation but also has an affection for the rabbits and guinea pigs. She loves going to the cinema, travelling and scuba diving.

She has two dogs, Ernie a cheeky wire-haired Jack Russell and Luna a loveable Basset Fauve de Bretagne, and a cat Pebbles.

Sarah Conboy

Sarah graduated as a veterinary surgeon from University College Dublin in 2014 and then worked for four years in Ireland in mixed practice. Her passion for small animal practice lead her to join our team here in February 2019.
Sarah is particularly interested in surgery, wound management, dentistry and the workups involved in internal medicine.

At home she has a large pack of dogs ranging from a rescue Chihuahua to 80 kilogram English mastiffs! There are also Clydesdale horses, Highland cattle and Zwartble sheep to keep her busy in her free time

Barbara Ni Fhatharta

Barbara graduated as a veterinary surgeon in 2013 from UCD. Since then she has spent 6 years in mixed practice as well as 3 years lecturing in veterinary nursing. Barbara is passionate about geriatric care, pain management and has a keen interest in surgery.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her dog Síle and cat Betty; and of course she loves getting home to the Aran islands as often as possible.

Clíona O’ Toole

Clíona began working as a student veterinary nurse in 2000 before gaining her qualification from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2005. She joined the team at Cottage Veterinary Clinic in January 2011 after gaining experience in small animal, equine and mixed practice, both here and in the UK.

Clíona has two dogs, an 11 year old pointer called Pluto and a 6 year old Border Collie called Tango. Her hobbies include training and competing with Tango in agility.

Síle Whelan

Síle comes from Dunlavin. Her love of animals drew her to clinic at a young age when she started working Saturdays and the summer months before joining the team full time in 2005.

Over the years she has gained extensive experience caring for animals while also gaining the responsibility for a broad range of tasks that holds the practice together including stock management, invoicing and drug ordering.

Her hobbies include skiing and camogie – which she plays at both club and county level. She has a rescue cat called ‘Pinky’.

Aisling Chester

Aisling, from Co. Laois, joined the team part-time in the summer of 2020 and gained her Honours Veterinary Nurse degree from Letterkenny it in 2021. She has a very energetic collie called Kevin who she adopted from the clinic – he keeps her busy with long walks every day! She also enjoys swimming in her spare time.

Anne McGrath

Anne joined the practice as receptionist in 2014 and always has a smile to welcome you through the door.

She thrives in the sometimes chaotic environment of the waiting room, barking dogs and all. She enjoys swimming, reading and getting walked by her very boisterous labrador Vinny!

Amy Kyne

Amy joined our clinic in late 2020 after graduating Letterkenny IT, Donegal. She had previously been with us the same year for work experience.
She has a dog called Lenny, four cats, and a horse called Penney. She has an interest in animal behaviour, and in her spare time she likes horse riding, hiking and reading.

Martha Behan

Martha joined us recently but has worked as a veterinary receptionist for over eleven years now and has settled into the team as if she has been here for years.

She has a passion for helping people and animals and is on reception to welcome everyone on arrival – she especially loves to greet the new puppies and kittens.

Outside work she is kept busy with her family made up of her husband, four children and pets including five dogs, two cats, chickens, ducks and a pet rabbit.