David Fitzgerald MVB, MRCVS. One of the founding partners of Ark Veterinary Clinic, David qualified in 1973. He is responsible for our farm animal practice and oversees the smooth running of the Department of Agriculture schemes for our farm clients. David is also an experienced companion animal practitioner.

Seamus McManus MVB, MRCVS. Seamus also qualified in 1973 and is the other founding partner of the practice. He can be seen at our branch practice in Oranmore. Seamus has a special interest in the treatment of skin and ear conditions.

Aidan Miller MVB, Cert SAM. Having worked in mixed practice in England after he qualified in 1992, Aidan joined Ark in 1995. He became a partner in 2001. Aidan gained the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Certificate in Small Animal Medicine by examination in 2001. He is in charge of clinical services, ensuring the highest standards of practice and welfare are maintained. Aidan treats difficult medical and ophthalmic cases and is available for consultation from colleagues in other practices.

James Dunne MVB, Cert SAS, MRCVS. After he qualified in 1998, James joined Ark in 2004 after six years working in small animal practice in England. He gained the RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Surgery by examination in 2005 and became a partner in 2009. James is responsible for treating orthopaedic and spinal cases, as well as other involved surgical diseases. He is also available to advise colleagues in other practices.

Synne Hotvedt DVM, MVB. Having qualified in Budapest in 2004, Synne joined the practice in 2006 and is an associate. Synne is Norwegian and spent her first years in a mixed practice in Norway. She divides her time between farm animal and companion animal work, with a particular interest in treating pet dental disease.

Our Nursing Team

We employ four fully qualified veterinary nurses and have two nurses in training. Ark nursing staff play a vital role in providing the best possible care to all our patients.

Marie Murray VN. Marie is our receptionist and qualified from the Royal College Of Veterinary Surgeons as a veterinary nurse in 2001. She has worked in Ark since 2004 and is available to advise on any pet health questions you have.

Jody Percival VN. Jody completed her nursing degree in 2003 in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. She joined Ark in 2007. We are a recognised centre for veterinary nurse training and Jody is involved with management and training.

Irene Madden BSc, VN. Irene is a fully qualified veterinary nurse. She joined Ark Veterinary in 2008, having completed her nursing degree in Athlone IT in the same year. She is a Galway girl and hails from Ballinasloe. Irene’s veterinary speciality is in providing dental care for your pet.

Nathalie Cadas From Spain, Nathalie is a nurse assistant and has worked in Ark since 2007. She has a special interest in providing health care advice to our overweight patients and also runs a weight watcher clinic.

Tara is our trainee veterinary nurse. She is currently enrolled in the registered UCD veterinary nursing programme. We are a registered practice for the training of veterinary nurses.

Administration and Management Staff

Aine Mac Neela Our practice manager, Aine is responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the practice. She joined Ark in 1989, having returned from California where she worked as a veterinary nurse in a small animal practice.

Grace Haddock Grace is our office manager and looks after our administration.