Tyrone joint-manager Dooher appointed as Chief Veterinary Officer

TYRONE senior intercounty joint-manager Brian Dooher has been promoted to the prestigious role of Chief Veterinary Officer for the North.

Mr Dooher previously served as Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and has been successful in the recent external recruitment process to appoint a new head of the department.

The Chief Veterinary Officer’s remit includes providing professional advice to DAERA and Executive Ministers.

As the Head of Veterinary Service and Animal Health Group, Mr Dooher will also lead a team of 650 staff members working across operational, policy and administrative functions.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Dooher said: “I am honoured to have been selected for this role and it will be my privilege to lead my veterinary colleagues to support our farming and food industry.

“I will work constructively and collaboratively with DAERA staff and stakeholders, delivery partners and colleagues in other administrations, in Ireland and in the EU on areas of common interest and to meet the future challengs across animal health and welfare and public health.”

Mr Dooher is regarded as a legend of Tyrone GAA, winning three All-Ireland Senior Football Championships, five Ulster Championships and two National League titles during his long and illustrious playing career. He also won three All-Stars and captained Tyrone to All-Ireland glory in 2005 and 2008.

He has managed the Tyrone Senior Intercounty team alongside Feargal Logan since November 2020, leading the county to a fourth ever All-Ireland SFC title in his first year at the helm. He also managed the Tyrone U21 team to the All-Ireland title in 2015 alongside Logan and Peter Canavan.

Mr Dooher will take up his new role as Chief Veterinary Officer at the end of March.