The Team
John Fitzgerald
Since graduating from UCD John spent time in practice in NI and the UK, working continuously for Brittas Vets since the mid 1990s. John's special area of interest is surgery and he has recently completed a postgraduate course in 'Greyhound Sports Medicine' at UCD. John enjoys sport including greyhound and horse racing, GAA, rugby and golf. He owns a number of horses and is pictured here with one of the family pets 'Betsy', a rescued terrier.
Carolyn Bermingham
After graduating from UCD Carolyn worked in the UK and in a small animal hospital in Dublin. She joined Brittas Vets in 1999 and has worked here since. She was the Tipp FM radio vet in the mid 2000's. She is committed to educating the public on pet healthcare and to this end has visited many schools, lectured to riding and pony clubs in the area and has been invited to speak to the Thurles Carers Association. She comes from a family who are animal mad! She is pictured here with her own cat.
Pat Dunne
Pat Dunne graduated from UCD in the 1980s and soon after with great foresight established a small animal and greyhound practice in Thurles that became the firm foundation for Brittas Veterinary Small Animal Hospital. Pat is a director and course Veterinary Surgeon for Thurles Greyhound Stadium and the course Veterinary Surgeon for Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium. Pat has lectured the greyhound fraternity on several occasions through his involvement with the 'Greyhound Skillnet' programme. Pat has recently completed a postgraduate course in 'Greyhound Sports Medicine' at UCD.
Stuart Fitzgerald
Stuart practiced in the UK prior to joining Brittas Vets in 2005. Stuart's special area of interest is medicine and he is currently studying for his RCVS Cert in Small Animal Medicine. Stuart recently completed the Dublin City marathon in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind. He is pictured here with 'Lucy' who comes to work with him every day.
Siobhan Corcoran
Siobhan is the Practice Manager of Brittas Veterinary Small Animal Hospital. Siobhan is a Registered Veterinary Nurse. She qualified through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons while working with the prestigious 'Argyle and Bainbridge' Veterinary Group in Dundrum Dublin. Siobhan also holds a BA from UCD. Siobhan joined Brittas Vets in 1999 and has worked here since. She loves Jack Russell terriers and cats and is pictured here with a stray kitten which was subsequently re homed.
Michelle Grimes
Michelle is the Head Nurse at Brittas Veterinary Small Animal Hospital. She qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons while working in Clonsilla Veterinary Hospital in Dublin. Michelle is also our Nutritional Adviser having completed the 'Royal Canin Veterinary Nutrition' course. Michelle owns three 'BIG' adult dogs having hand reared her rotti-cross pup. It is fair to say dogs are Michelle's life! Michelle is pictured with Murdock her doberman who has recovered from recent spinal surgery.
Shannon Hayes
Shannon is a final year Student Veterinary Nurse attending UCD and is due to complete her studies in summer 2010. Shannon's family background is firmly rooted in the greyhound industry and it is in this area that she plans to pursue her career. She is particularly interested in reproductive medicine and is a successful greyhound breeder in her own right.
Breda Kirwan
Breda holds a merchants licence from the Dept of Agriculture which qualifies her in the sale of non POM animal products to the public. She is an authority on our shop products and their suitability for your particular pet. Breda comes from a farming background and has worked at Brittas Vets since 2003. She has a wealth of practical experience in pet health and has a special interest in the care of rabbits, guinea pigs and other exotics.
Kirsten Ivors
Kirsten is from Brisbane Australia but is now living in Tipperary. She is a professional groomer and a member of the Irish Profession Dog Groomers Association. She has two King Charles dogs; Charlie who was hand reared and Henry. Charlie is a PEATA approved dog which means that he and Kirsten voluntarily visit residents of nursing homes and other caring institutions providing therapy through conversation and contact with Charlie. Kirsten is pictured with 'Charlie'.
Theresa Keane
Theresa made the transition from hotel receptionist to veterinary receptionist in 2006 when she joined Brittas Vets. Since then she has attained her merchant licence qualifying her to sell nonprescription animal remedies. Theresa has also attended a number of veterinary receptionist continuing education courses. Theresa has two dogs which she rescued and is pictured here with her terrapins 'Seamus' and 'Paddy'.
Fiona Ryan
Joined Brittas Vets in 2008 having worked previously in hotel reception. Fiona has in the past year attended a course in veterinary reception duties and is keen to continue her education in this area. Fiona is pictured here with one of our regular boarders 'Purdy'.
Fred the Cat
Fred came to Brittas Vets in 2006 as a stray cat who had been seriously injured in a Road Traffic accident. Fred's right eye was badly damaged and had to be removed. With nursing and TLC Fred otherwise made a full recovery and has been with us ever since. Fred spends most of his time at reception keeping his good eye on us to ensure we are all doing our jobs properly! A special thanks to our client Fiona Morrissey who rescued him and brought him in to us.