Although living in Dublin as a child, Niamh spent most of her time in a riding school and stables in Co. Kildare. Niamh’s passion for animals developed from her love of horses. Horse riding from an early age, Niamh had a successful career in 3-day eventing. After school Niamh attended UCD and graduated with BSc (hons) Zoology before deciding to pursue a career in Veterinary medicine. Niamh moved to Hungary and graduated from Budapest in 2008 with DVM. On returning home to Ireland, Niamh worked in Kerry with an equine and small animal practice for a number of years before moving to the east coast. There she joined the Pet Emergency Hospital in University College Dublin. Niamh and Francois purchased Western Veterinary and made the move to the Clifden in November 2016. They have two small children who are often seen ‘helping out’ in the clinic at the weekends, and who are developing a familial love of animals. Niamh is passionate about equine work and small animals equally. Her special interests are equine reproduction and small animal surgery, and she loves to work with wildlife. Outside the clinic, Niamh continues to enjoy horse-riding, swimming and being a chauffeur to two very busy young boys!

Francois comes from a long line of vets; his father, grandfather, and great grandfather before him were vets in Alsace, France, where Francois is from. Francois followed his family footsteps and studied Veterinary Medicine in Budapest, where he graducated in 2006. After he met Niamh at the University, he decided to move to Ireland to start his first job. Francois started in Ballina, Co. Mayo and for several years after that he worked as a locum vet for mixed animal practices in the West of Ireland. He worked at Western Veterinary for a season when it was under the ownership of Maurice O’Scanaill and fell in love with the Connemara people and landscape. Niamh and Francois started a family and after a brief move to the East coast in 2012 when Francois worked in Wicklow and Wexford, they returned to Connemara in 2016.  Francois has a keen interest in sheep medicine, bovine reproduction and small animal surgery. He loves the outdoors and when he is not in the surgery or driving around the local farms he can be found at his home gardening, carrying out DIY projects or anything to do with food! Niamh and Francois have several adopted pets; dogs, cats and ponies.

Margaret grew up on a dairy and poultry farm in Co. Monaghan, and it was her love of farming that attracted her to work with animals. Margaret’s first degree in medical laboratory science led to a job working for Norbrook in Newry, Co. Down. She decided to move to Liverpool to study Veterinary Medicine and Margaret qualified as a vet in 2004. She has always worked in mixed practice, starting out in Cavan she made her way to the West and has worked in Galway ever since. Margaret joined the team in West Vet in 2013 and has been with the practice ever since. Margaret is passionate about farming and lives on a farm near Oughterard with her husband. Together they run a suckler and sheep farm which gives her a good perspective of the worries and problems that our farmers encounter daily. Margaret has a beautiful collie called Glen that she wouldn’t be without.

Barbara is a native of Clifden, and graduated RVN from Athlone Institute of Technology in 2015. After spending some of her college placement at West Vet, Barbara returned to join the team in 2016. Barbara is hugely dedicated to her job and she leaves no stone unturned. Barbara is known for her kindness, and sense of humour. She is often to be found in the kennels, talking to the patients like they are her babies!  Barbara is responsible for all nursing duties and nursing clinics. She has special interest in nutrition, weight management and environmental enrichment for pets. Barbara is horse mad and has always loved working with horses.  In her spare time she enjoys every chance to go horse riding, yoga, cooking and spending time near the sea with her three dogs, Cody, Lily and Ziggy

Sylvia is the longest standing member of the team at Western Veterinary. Sylvia has been working at the practice since 2004, and qualifed as a Registered Veterinary Nurse from UCD in 2008. Sylvia is responsible for organising the annual TB herd test (and all of the clerical work that this entails) for our farm clients. This is no mean feat and Sylvia takes everything in her stride. When not organising herd tests, she assists with nursing and reception duties. Sylvia has been with Western Veterinary under three different owners, and one thing is for certain, the farmers have the highest regard for her and are always happy to see her.  Sylvia has farming in her blood and when not working on the family farm with Connemara ponies, sheep and cattle she spends time with her young family, as well as dog Glen and cat Missy.

Nollaig is the practice administrator of Western Veterinary. She is a qualified marine biologist and is passionate about all animals and marine life. Nollaig has been working at Western Veterinary since 2011 and coordinates the vets and appointments on a daily basis. Alongside this she manages the retail side of the business; stock, accounts and general queries. She is the welcoming face that will greet you at our reception, and an indispensable member of the team. Whether you are looking for a dog collar, dosing for cattle or just friendly advice, Nollaig will help you out! Nollaig enjoys everything to do with the sea, and can often be found surfing or sailing. She has two dogs, Frank and Louis that work in reception with her!