Tyrone footballer manager and triple All-Ireland winner Brian Dooher has been named been named as the north’s new chief veterinary officer.
Mr Dooher, who lifted the Sam Maguire three times with Tyrone in 2003, 2004 and 2008, will assist the Stormont Executive with veterinary matters in his new role, working closely alongside colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
He will oversee a team of over 650 staff, and said he is “honoured” to have been selected for the significant role, which he will begin at the end of tis month.
He had served as deputy chief veterinary officer since 2018 under previous CVO Dr Robert Huey, and before joining DAERA, the University College Dublin veterinary medicine graduate had worked in a private practice in Derry.
Named joint manager of Tyrone seniors in 2020 alongside Feargal Logan, replacing Mickey Harte, Mr Dooher’s previous playing career also saw him win plaudits including three All-Star awards, five Ulster Senior Football Championship titles and two National League titles with Tyrone.
Before replacing Harte, he and Logan were part of the Tyrone under-21 management team that spurred the side to All-Ireland victory in 2015.
Speaking of his new role, he said: “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 challenges across animal health and welfare and public health.”
