Friday, 6th of March marked a defining moment for veterinary education in Ireland as we officially launched the Premier Skills Institute in Thurles. The event brought together leading veterinary professionals, educators, government representatives, and media to celebrate the opening of this state of the art CPD training centre.
Attendees explored our purpose built facilities, designed to deliver practical, hands‑on training that empowers veterinary professionals to advance their skills with confidence. The Institute’s focus on real‑world learning, expert‑led courses, and modern teaching environments reflects our commitment to raising standards across the profession.
A highlight of the day was the presence of the Liam MacCarthy Cup, which added a touch of sporting pride and created fantastic photo opportunities for guests and staff alike. The official ribbon‑cutting ceremony was performed by Donal Duggan Senior, joined proudly by his sons Donnacha and Donal, marking a significant milestone for the Duggan family and the wider Duggan Veterinary Group.
Now operating as an independent company under the Duggan Veterinary Group, the Premier Skills Institute represents the next chapter in our educational journey. This evolution reflects our ambition to expand our reach, strengthen our training capabilities, and establish a world‑class centre of excellence for veterinary skills development.
The Institute currently offers five core course formats:
- Onsite courses delivered at the Thurles training facility
- Live online webinars connecting veterinary professionals with leading experts
- Practical training components for Improve Veterinary Education programmes
- On-demand digital courses allowing professionals to learn at their own pace
- Private courses tailored for individual veterinary practices and organisation
You can view the range of courses here.
Siobhan Killeen, CPD Coordinator, and Sarah Keane, Education Manager, are the driving forces whose dedication, vision, and relentless effort brought the Premier Skills Institute to life. From early planning and programme development to upholding the highest standards in training and education, their commitment has shaped the institute into what it is today. The launch marked a proud milestone, a celebration of months of hard work, collaboration, and a shared passion for advancing skills and learning.
Our mission is clear: to support veterinary practitioners with high‑quality, practical CPD that keeps pace with a rapidly evolving profession. The launch was not just a celebration of what we have built, but a statement of intent for the future.
The Premier Skills Institute is now officially open and ready to shape the next generation of veterinary excellence.
