Launch of Carn Vet Clinic Marks Innovative Partnership with Inishowen Co-Op to Serve Local Farming and Animal Care Communities

The highly anticipated launch of Carn Vet Clinic, now proudly integrated into the Inishowen Co-op group, has officially launched, bringing a fresh and forward-thinking approach to veterinary care in the region. This innovative collaboration between Carn Vets and the Co-op promises to strengthen the local farming community’s access to top-tier animal care while offering a reliable and consistent service for all animal owners across Inishowen.

The partnership comes at a critical time when many veterinary practices are being acquired by international corporate groups, a trend that has raised concerns among farming communities.

Fidelma Tonry MVB,  Veterinary Practitioner & the original founder of Carn Vets, expressed her vision behind this new direction: 

“It existed in my mind's eye for some years, and now it is a reality. This amalgamation with Inishowen Co-op is a welcome, innovative move. It gives Carn Vets the support and strength from a local Co-op run by Inishowen Farmers, which has been supporting the community and farming clients for over sixty years. It will allow us to do what we do best—provide a reliable, consistent, high-quality veterinary service for Inishowen in a modern, comfortable space."

John Ruddy, Chairman of Inishowen Co-op, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the cooperative’s commitment to the local community: 

“We have been delivering essential services to the farming community for over six decades, and while we continue to grow, our values have never changed.

Co-op is about more than business—it’s about trust, mutual support, and the belief that when we work together, we are stronger. By integrating Carn Vets, we can offer secure, independent veterinary services for farmers and animal owners of all sizes, ensuring that we continue to support the people and future generations.”

The state-of-the-art facility, now under the Co-op umbrella, is equipped to provide veterinary care for both large and small animals.

Charlie McConnellogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating: 

“Farmers rely on vets for emergency and ongoing health advice to keep their operations running smoothly. This partnership between Inishowen Co-op and Carn Veterinary Clinic will deliver tremendous benefits to the farming community, offering a vital service in a modern, well-equipped facility.”

The collaboration is designed to ensure that farmers and animal owners across the region have reliable access to the highest standards of veterinary care, along with independent advice and personalized service. By combining the experience of Carn Vets with the cooperative principles of Inishowen Co-op, the clinic is set to become a cornerstone of animal health in the region.

As Carn Vet Clinic opens its doors under this new partnership, both the team in Carn Vet Clinic and Inishowen Co-op express their gratitude to the community for its continued trust and support. Together, they look forward to building a future of exceptional care and support for the entire region.