On February 20th, news of the sudden passing of Ann Duggan broke. A beloved mother, devoted wife, and one of the founding directors of Duggan Veterinary Ltd, her sudden departure from this world, left an irreplaceable void in our lives. Her absence is felt deeply, for she was not only a founding director of Duggan Veterinary but also the guiding light of our family and a strong community person. Her unwavering dedication to her profession and her boundless love for her family were the cornerstones of her life, shaping who she was and the legacy she left behind.

Ann Duggan was a remarkable woman whose life journey encompassed diverse roles and achievements. As a physiotherapist, she dedicated herself to the care and rehabilitation of others, while also playing a pivotal role as the matriarch of the Duggan family and co-founding a veterinary supplies company alongside her husband, Donal Snr.

Ann’s career as a physiotherapist was marked by a deep-seated commitment to improving the lives of her patients. With compassion and expertise, she provided healing and support to individuals facing physical challenges, helping them regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life. Ann’s dedication to her profession reflected her innate ability to connect with others and her unwavering desire to make a positive impact in their lives.

In addition to her work as a physiotherapist, Ann played a pivotal and essential role in the founding and success of Duggan Veterinary Supplies. Indeed, it was her knowledge of several complementary hospital products that allowed Duggan Veterinary to provide an attractive product inventory to its clients in the early days, in the 1980s. Alongside her husband, Donal Duggan Snr, she embarked on a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, leveraging her expertise in healthcare to contribute to the growth and development of the business. Together, they built a company known for its integrity, innovation, and commitment to excellence, leaving a lasting legacy in the veterinary industry. Mum constantly sought improvement and opportunities for Duggan Veterinary and I remember her making the journey to Glasgow where she upskilled and became one of the first authorised persons certified by the DAFM to service and repair TB equipment. Mum was especially interested in the move towards delivering educational content in recent years and took immense pride in seeing Duggan Veterinary move in this direction also.

As the matriarch of the Duggan family, Ann was the heart and soul of her household. She balanced the demands of her professional career with the joys and responsibilities of motherhood, driving the family business, and creating a warm and nurturing environment where her children flourished. Ann’s love, guidance, and unwavering support were the foundation upon which her family was built, instilling in them values of kindness, determination, resilience, and compassion that will shape our lives for years to come.

In recent years, Ann’s role as a grandmother brought her immeasurable joy and fulfilment. She cherished the opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren, imparting wisdom, sharing stories and her love of nature and animals, and creating cherished memories with each precious moment. Ann’s love and devotion enriched the lives of her grandchildren, leaving an indelible imprint on their hearts and minds that will endure long into the future.

Throughout her life, Ann touched the lives of countless individuals with her kindness, generosity, and genuine concern for others. Her passing was met with an outpouring of grief and remembrance from colleagues, friends, and acquaintances within the local Holycross, Clonoulty and healthcare communities, a testament to the impact she had on those around her. Ann’s legacy as a pioneering entrepreneur, compassionate healer, and devoted family woman continues to inspire all who knew her, serving as a reminder of the enduring power of love and resilience.

Today, Ann Duggan’s legacy continues to reverberate throughout Duggan Veterinary. Her vision, values, and unwavering commitment to excellence remain ingrained in the fabric of the organisation, guiding its operations and inspiring its employees. Ann’s influence extended beyond her role as a founding director, shaping the company’s culture of integrity, innovation, and customer-centricity. Her legacy serves as a guiding light for Duggan Veterinary, reminding the team of the importance of passion, dedication, and compassion in everything they do. Though Ann may no longer be with us in person, her spirit lives on in the continued success and growth of the company she helped build.

Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam.

Donal Duggan (Jnr)
Managing Director