The life and legacy of the first female vet in Ireland and Britain, Aleen Cust, will be honoured at a special event in Co. Galway next month.

The Aleen Cust Memorial Symposium 2025 will be held at Mountbellew Agricultural College on Friday, July 4.

The event, with the theme of "Cultivating Change in Veterinary and Farming Practices," aims to highlight Cust's remarkable contributions to veterinary medicine and her enduring legacy.

Aleen Cust was born in Co. Tipperary in 1868 and became the first woman to qualify as a veterinary surgeon in Ireland and England.  

However, she was unable to call herself a vet as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons had claimed to have no power to admit women.

She initially worked in Co. Roscommon with vet William Byrne in Athleague who had heard of her case and offered her a position as his assistant.

In 1915, Aleen drove her own car to France to help colleagues treat wounded horses during World War I.

After over two decades of campaigning, Aleen Cust was eventually awarded her diploma in December 1922.

She died while on a short visit to Jamaica in 1937 when she suffered a major heart attack while attending to an ill dog

The Aleen Cust Memorial Society, a dedicated group of retired and semi-retired veterinary practitioners, has been instrumental in organising the upcoming symposium.

The event is being held in partnership with the Heritage Office, Galway County Council and Mountbellew Agricultural College- Atlantic Technological University (ATU).

The mission of the society is to remember and celebrate the life and achievements of Aleen Cust, who overcame significant barriers to become a trailblazer in her field.

Commenting on the upcoming symposium, Brendan Gardiner and Donal Connolly of the Aleen Cust Society said:

"We are proud to honour Aleen Cust's legacy through this symposium. Her determination and courage continue to inspire generations of veterinary practitioners.

The symposium will feature a series of lectures and discussions led by prominent figures in the fields of veterinary science, agriculture, and heritage.

The event will be officially opened by Dr. Orla Flynn, president of Atlantic Technological University (ATU).

Among the keynote speakers are Dr. June Fanning, chief veterinary officer at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and former EU commissioner and MEP Mairead McGuinness.

Dr. John Cunningham, associate professor in history at the University of Galway, and Dr John Flaherty, an expert in agricultural heritage, will also address the event.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts, view community heritage and vintage exhibitions, and earn Continuing Veterinary Education (CVE) credits approved by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI).

The conference is funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Galway County Council, ATU, the University of Galway and the Aleen Cust Society.

"Aleen Cust's contributions to veterinary medicine and her pioneering spirit are an integral part of our heritage," Marie Mannion, Galway County Council heritage officer, said.

"This symposium not only celebrates her achievements but also highlights the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural history," she added.

Edna Curley, principal at Mountbellew Campus ATU Galway said that they were delighted to host the event in recognition of the first female vet in Ireland and the UK at their campus.

"This event underscores the significance of Aleen Cust's work and her impact on veterinary and farming practices. It is an honour to be part of this celebration of her legacy," she said.

Various heritage organisations, vintage clubs and community groups in the county of Galway assisted in the development and delivery of the conference including Mountbellew Vintage Club, North Galway Vintage Club, iCAN Galway County members.

Those wishing to attend the symposium can book their place through Eventbright.