I see that Roscommon-based vet John O’Rourke has been elected the new president of Veterinary Ireland. He takes the reins of the association on a one-year term and replaces UCD veterinary lecturer Vivienne Duggan.

O’Rourke qualified as a vet 22 years ago and owns the All Creatures Veterinary Clinic in Roscommon town. He told me that one of his main aims of his tenure is changing perceptions that vets are too expensive, as well as raising the profile of their work.

“We are the last service that really is 100% 24-hour, always on. We are there to serve our customers at all times,” O’Rourke said.