Welcome Marykate

Carn Vets Welcomes New Vet, Marykate Fullerton, to the Team

Carn Vets, part of the Inishowen Co-op group, has officially welcomed a new veterinary surgeon, Marykate, to its expanding team. Her appointment marks another step in the clinic’s commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to animals and their owners across Inishowen.

Born and raised in the heart of Buncrana, Marykate may describe herself as a “townie,” but her lifelong love of animals set her firmly on the path to veterinary medicine. From a young age she was immersed in the world of horses and small animals, and her time spent stabling horses on farms around Derry only deepened her appreciation for large animal care.

Her road to veterinary medicine wasn’t the most traditional—after completing a BSc in Animal Science at UCD, which included hands-on farm experience across Ireland, Germany, and Idaho, Marykate pursued her veterinary studies in Budapest, graduating in February 2024. Along the way, she credits the mentorship of Anne Scott in Carn for nurturing her skills in small animal surgery and equine medicine, helping shape the vet she is today.

Professionally, Marykate began her career in a busy mixed-animal practice serving both sides of the border. Over 15 months, she gained extensive experience in small, large, and equine practice, and discovered particular passions for dentistry, wound care, and soft tissue surgery. She also thrives during calving and lambing season, especially when navigating tricky cases without surgery.

Marykate’s philosophy is simple: veterinary medicine is as much about people as it is about animals. She believes compassion, clear communication, and continuous learning are the cornerstones of excellent care. She takes pride in guiding owners through both routine visits and difficult conversations with empathy and professionalism.

Outside of her broad skills, Marykate has a special love for working with cats and horses—two species she knows some vets shy away from! Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue further studies in small animal and equine dentistry, while continuing to bring a positive, calm, and friendly presence to the clinic and community she serves.

The appointment comes at a time of growth and development for Carn Vets, which is now integrated into the Inishowen Co-Op group. This partnership ensures secure, independent veterinary services for farmers, pet owners, and equine clients across the region, delivered in a modern, well-equipped facility.

Speaking on behalf of the Co-op, Sean Faulkner, Chairman of Inishowen Co-op, said:

“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. With this integration 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.”

With Marykate’s arrival, Carn Vets strengthens its commitment to offering the highest standards of veterinary care, combining local knowledge, international training, and cooperative values to support the health and wellbeing of animals across Inishowen.

Visit www.carnvet.ie to learn more about Carn Vets or follow on Facebook / Instagram accounts.