The Village Veterinary Hospital Team

Thomas Downey M.V.B.
Tom is a native of Conahy and was educated at Lisnafunction, Conahy and St Kierans College before graduating from the Veterinary College of Ireland U.C.D.

After working in Ireland for a while he went to Connecticut, U.S.A., where he took State Board exams. Besides working in different practices in Connecticut, he worked in a very busy small animal practice in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Eileen and Tom got married in America and returned to Kilkenny. In 1983 circumstances led to Tom starting his own practice. They moved to the Kells Rd. 1985, built Village Veterinary Hospital in 1989, and expanded it in 1998.

The Ireland Tom and Eileen returned to in 1982 was very different to the Ireland of today, and veterinary medicine has also evolved considerably. Each year he strives to improve facilities, services and veterinary knowledge.

Tom is grateful for the support he has got, and much enriched by the people he has met while practicing veterinary. Eileen and Tom have four children, Michael (1983), a U.L.  graduate in mechanical engineering,and a Masters from Purdue University, Indiana. He works for Sikorsky Helicopters in Connecticut. Thomas (1986), U.C.D. graduate and Masters from Smurfitt, working for Accenture in Dublin.  Mairead (1989) graduates from D.C.U. 2011,starting with KPMG.  Roisin (1993), in Loreto Kilkenny.

Pat O'Brien M.V.B.
Pat O'Brien qualified from U.C.D. Veterinary College in 1988. He spent a year working in his hometown of Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, before moving to the UK
After a stint in a multi-vet Small Animal / Equine Practice in Nottinghamshire he moved to a dedicated Companion Animal Practice in South Wales. Here he had the opportunity to deal with a high throughput of surgical and orthopaedic cases.

In 1992 he returned to Ireland and joined Tom Downey as an assistant at Village Veterinary, taking up a partnership in the practice in 1997. He has a strong interest in surgery and has taken numerous courses in orthopaedic surgery and wound management.

He is actively involved in the Kilkenny Clinical Society, which organises clinical talks for vets in the Southeast.

He and his wife Marie have two children, two dogs & one cat.

Aonghus O'Laoire M.V.B.
Aonghus started with Village Veterinary Hospital March 2011 and is a native of Macroom, Co Cork where he attended Kilbarry National School and De La Salle College. Aongus graduated from University College Dublin Veterinary faculty with an honours degree. He was awarded the Pfizer Veterinary Graduate of the year 2009. Aonghus has gained valuable experience; he comes from a farm, saw large animal practice in Cork and New Zealand, as well as participating in a research programme in Moorepark. His equine practice attendance was in Cork and Glasgow, and he saw small animal practice in Cork, including Gilabbey.

Before starting work for Village Veterinary Hospital in Kilkenny, Aonghus had worked for a year in a multi vet practice in Lisburn, Co Antrim, and for 6 months in Killarney.

In 2008 Aonghus volunteered with the Niall Mellon Township Trust in Cape Town, South Africa. He is an accomplished violin player, played gaelic football for his local club, has ridden in gymkhanas, and goes fishing for relaxation.

Olive Harney
Formerly Olive Hennessy from Shellumsrath, Kilkenny.  Olive was educated in Cuffesgrange N. S., and Presentation Convent Kilkenny.

Olive first came to Village Veterinary on work experience in 1992. While finishing school Olive worked part time, taking up full time employment in 1994. Olive is the practice receptionist, office manager and handles client accounts.

Olive and Tony got married in2007. They have three cats and one dog.

Outside of work, Olive likes to read, listen to music, and go to the movies.

Suzanne Comerford R.V.N.
Suzanne is a fully qualified veterinary nurse and is a native of Kilkenny City.

She was educated at St John of God  N.S., and Presentation Convent Kilkenny. In 2002 she received her veterinary nursing qualifications from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in conjunction with the B.V.N.A.

While Suzanne joined Village Veterinary Hospital in 2003, having been involved in veterinary nursing for a few years.

Suzanne is married to Graham Doyle. Their son Daniel was born Nov. 2010. They have 2 cats “Miss Annie” and “Emily”.

Her hobbies include, walking with her mother, going to the cinema with Graham, music, salsa dancing, and skiing.

Mary O Hanlon R.V.N.
Mary studied veterinary nursing at U.C.D’s accredited course in the Veterinary College, graduating in 2007.

Mary is a native of St Mullins, Carlow. After St Mary’s secondary school, New Ross, Mary studied science for 2 years at W I T, and then proceeded to a complimentary therapy course.

Before joining Village Veterinary Hospital Spring 09, Mary had worked in a veterinary practice in Graiguenamanagh, and while studying veterinary nursing, in New Ross.

Mary is married to Eugene Ryan a farmer, they live in Gowran. Their daughter Katie was born in Dec 09. They have a cat called Jack. Mary likes music and travelling.

Emily Brennan R.V.N.
Emily Brennan is from Crutt, Castlecomer.

Emily studied veterinary nursing at the Athlone Institute of Technology and attended Clogh NS and Castlecomer Community school.

Emily came to Village Veterinary Hospital Spring 2009, in her final year, subsequently qualifying as a veterinary nurse.

Emily’s hobbies are concerts, cinema and socialising with friends

Anne Whipple R.V.N.

Anne hails from Neenah Wisconsin, USA. She has been in Ireland since 2003. She received her Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from University College Dublin in 2009.She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from St Olaf College in Minnesota. As a veterinary nurse Anne has gained experience working in a variety of practices including an emergency clinic in Dublin.

Anne started work for Village Veterinary Hospital, Kilkenny, in December 2009. Presently she is working 3 days in our new Veterinary Surgery in Castlecomer, and 2 days at Village Veterinary Hospital, Kilkenny, plus the usual weekend rota.

Anne plays ice hockey and has been involved with the Irish Womens Ice Hockey team. As well as walking her dog Marley, she likes to read and bake.

Village Veterinary Hospital, Kells Road, Kilkenny

• 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
• 9am to 4pm Saturday
• 9am to 12am Sunday

During these times animals are seen by appointment. Please phone for a daytime appointment, 056 7762674

Open surgery hours ( when no appointment is needed):

• 7pm to 8pm Monday to Friday
• 12pm to 1pm Saturday

Occassionally we can accommodate other visits during the day also, please calll before you visit the practice.

Outside of offices hours an emergency service is provided 24/7. Please call 056-7762174, the phone will always be answered by Village Veterinary personnel.

Emergencies facilitated at all times, out of hours contact us first to avoid delays.

Village Veterinary Surgery, 15 Kilkenny Street, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny

• 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

A veterinary nurse will be at Village Veterinary Surgery, Castlecomer, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5 pm. Veterinary consultations will be by appointment, but if you have any queries please do feel free to contact us or drop in.

Outside of offices hours an emergency service is provided 24/7.