CATHAOIRLEACH of Ballinasloe Municipal District Cllr Dr Evelyn Francis Parsons, Cllr Michael Connolly and Cathaoirleach of County Galway Cllr Andrew Reddington meeting members of Killererin Heritage Society Bernie Forde and Eileen O’Connell at the Aleen Cust 2026 Symposium at Mountbellew Agricultural College.

Mountbellew event honours women’s role in veterinary medicine

More than 200 gather in Mountbellew

Published: Wed 15 Jul 2026, 7:39 AM

MORE than 200 people attended a landmark symposium in Mountbellew last Friday celebrating the legacy of Aleen Cust, the world’s first female veterinary surgeon.

The symposium entitled "She Led the Way: Women at the Heart of Veterinary Heritage and Agricultural Progress" proved to be a fusion of veterinary science, agricultural innovation and community heritage. It showcased how the story of Aleen Cust continues to inspire new conversations about leadership, education, equality and rural life.

Delegates travelled from across Ireland and beyond to participate in a programme featuring distinguished speakers, expert panels and an impressive exhibition of heritage and vintage displays.

President Catherine Connolly officially opened the symposium and spent time visiting the heritage and vintage exhibitions. Her presence underlined the national significance of Aleen Cust's legacy and the contribution of communities who have worked tirelessly to ensure her story is remembered.

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CATHAOIRLEACH of Ballinasloe Municipal District Cllr Dr Evelyn Francis Parsons, Cllr Michael Connolly and Cathaoirleach of County Galway Cllr Andrew Reddington meeting members of Killererin Heritage Society Bernie Forde and Eileen O’Connell at the Aleen Cust 2026 Symposium at Mountbellew Agricultural College. Jacinta Fahy

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CATHAOIRLEACH of County Galway Cllr Andrew Reddington, Cathaoirleach of Ballinasloe Municipal District Cllr Dr Evelyn Francis Parsons and Cllr Michael Connolly meeting members of Milltown Heritage Margaret Marlow and Pauline Connolly. Jacinta Fahy

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MARY Mullin, Moylough Heritage and Teresa Glynn, Mountbellew who was the first lady vet in Mountbellew since Aleen Cust at the Aleen Cust 2026 Symposium at Mountbellew Agricultural College. Jacinta Fahy

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MARTIN Blake, Retired Chief Veterinary Officer and Kilconly native with Donal Connolly, Aleen Cust Memorial Society at the symposium. All photos: Jacinta Fahy Jacinta Fahy

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PRESIDENT of Ireland Catherine Connolly signing the Visitor’s Book with Professor Graham Heaslip, Atlantic Technological University, representing President of ATU Dr Orla Flynn at the Aleen Cust 2026 Symposium at Mountbellew Agricultural College. Jacinta Fahy

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PETER Brennan and Edyta Fleming, Milltown Heritage at the Aleen Cust 2026 Symposium. Jacinta Fahy

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CATHAOIRLEACH of County Galway Cllr Andrew Reddington on a vintage High Nelly bicycle with Cathaoirleach of Ballinasloe Municipal District Cllr Dr Evelyn Francis Parsons, Cllr Michael Connolly and members of North Galway Vintage and Heritage Group. Jacinta Fahy

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CATHAOIRLEACH of Ballinasloe Municipal District Cllr Dr Evelyn Francis Parsons and Breda Finn, Lackagh Museum and Community Development. Jacinta Fahy

"This symposium was a powerful celebration of heritage, resilience and achievement. The enthusiasm shown by the heritage groups, vintage clubs, community organisations and delegates created a very special atmosphere throughout the day. It was wonderful to see so many people engaging with Aleen Cust's story and appreciating the extraordinary contribution of local communities in preserving and sharing our heritage," commented Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer, Galway County Council.

President Connolly's visit to the exhibition spaces provided an opportunity to engage directly with the volunteers and organisations preserving Galway's rich heritage. The exhibition area attracted huge interest throughout the day.

Among the groups with impressive displays were Mountbellew Vintage, North Galway Vintage, Kiltullagh Vintage, Mountbellew and District Heritage, Moylough Heritage, Skehana and District Heritage, Woodlawn Heritage, Ballinasloe and District Heritage, Lackagh Heritage, Williamstown Heritage, Milltown Heritage, Fohenagh and District Heritage, Old Tuam Society and Galway Community Archaeology. Their displays demonstrated the richness, diversity and passion of Galway's heritage sector and provided visitors with a fascinating insight into local history, traditions and community life.

The symposium also featured a top-class line-up of lecturers and speakers throughout the day.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr Andrew Reddington commended those involved. "The Aleen Cust Symposium was a tremendous success and a wonderful example of what can be achieved when heritage, education, agriculture and community come together.”

The symposium showcased the “tremendous contribution” of women to veterinary medicine, according to Dr Edna Curley, Principal of Mountbellew Agricultural College. She said it also highlighted the importance of education, innovation and community collaboration.

"What began as a mission to ensure that Aleen Cust's remarkable life would not be forgotten has grown into something truly special. Seeing over 200 people gather to celebrate her legacy, learn from leading speakers and engage with our rich heritage is immensely rewarding. Aleen Cust's story continues to inspire new generations and reminds us of the importance of recognising pioneers who changed the world” remarked Donal Connolly, Aleen Cust Memorial Society.

The date for the Aleen Cust Symposium 2027 has already been fixed for July 2, 2027.