Courses
Aleen Cust Symposium a resounding success with over 200 attendees celebrating event in ATU Mountbellew
ATU Mountbellew Agricultural College hosted the Aleen Cust Symposium on Friday, 4 July, with over 200 attendees celebrating the legacy of Aleen Cust – Ireland and the UK’s first female veterinary surgeon in the early 1900s.
ATU Mountbellew Agricultural College hosted the Aleen Cust Symposium on Friday, 4 July, with over 200 attendees celebrating the legacy of Aleen Cust – Ireland and the UK’s first female veterinary surgeon in the early 1900s.
A resounding success, the day-long event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s first female Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr June Fanning, and MEP and former European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union, Mairead McGuinness.
In addition to the packed line-up of presenters, numerous heritage groups and the North Galway and Mountbellew vintage clubs hosted exhibitions and displays on the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) campus, which added a unique and enriching dimension to the occasion.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University, expressed her institution’s pride in being associated as a co-sponsor of the event. “ATU is delighted to be associated with this now annual event commemorating the first female vet in Ireland, especially in the context of ATU developments in this field.”
ATU Mountbellew will soon be running a degree course in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, with Dr Flynn adding: “For us in ATU, it is an exciting time. We look forward to the day when our own students will be in attendance [at the symposium]. I want to thank Dr Edna Curley and all the team at Mountbellew Agricultural College for their work in organising the event, along with Galway County Council.”
Dr Edna Curley, College Principal of the agricultural college, said Mountbellew Agricultural College was delighted to host the Aleen Cust Memorial Symposium on the ATU campus. “This important event highlights the enduring significance of Aleen Cust’s pioneering work and the profound impact she had on veterinary medicine and agricultural practices.
“It is an honour to celebrate her remarkable legacy and to contribute to the recognition of her contributions,” added Dr Curley.
In addition to Dr Fanning and MEP McGuinness, other guest speakers were John Flaherty, a renowned veterinary historian; Erica Borge, an expert in animal welfare based in County Clare; and John Cunningham, a leading authority on labour history.
Donal Connolly of The Aleen Cust Society highlighted the importance of remembering and honouring the historical figure’s contributions. “Aleen Cust broke significant barriers in her time, and it is vital that we continue to celebrate her achievements and inspire future generations.”
Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer at Galway County Council, highlighted the cultural and educational value of the lectures. “The talks at the symposium were a testament to the rich heritage of veterinary science and its evolution over the years. The speakers did an excellent job of connecting the past with the present, providing valuable insights that will inspire future generations.”
Dr June Fanning, Chief Veterinary Officer at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, said it was an incredible honour to serve as Ireland’s first female Chief Veterinary Officer.
She added: “As we gather to celebrate the legacy of Aleen Cust, who broke barriers over a century ago, we are reminded that progress is built on courage and a collective commitment to equality across the veterinary profession and beyond.”
Joanne Perry, Veterinary Inspector, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, acted as Master of Ceremonies, while retired veterinary surgeon James Linnane presented all those present with a rose from his award-winning rose collection.
The Aleen Cust Symposium continues to be a significant event, fostering a deeper understanding of the history and advancements in veterinary science while honouring the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations.
Photo caption: (L-R) Donal Connolly, Aleen Cust Memorial Society, Dr Edna Curley, Principal ATU Mountbellew, speaker Erica Borge, speaker Dr June Fanning, Chief Veterinary Officer Dept of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Galway County Council Heritage Officer Marie Mannion, Dr Orla Flynn, President ATU and Symposium Chairperson Joanne Perry, Veterinary Inspector, Dept of Agriculture, Food and Marine at the ‘Cultivating Change in Veterinary and Farming Practices’ Aleen Cust Memorial Symposium 2025 at ATU Mountbellew.
