The inaugural IVNA congress held in the Tullamore Court Hotel has received the highest of praise from delegate’s, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors alike. With over 230 delegates attending over the course of the weekend, the IVNA have been overwhelmed with the amount of support and words of thanks received from colleagues across the country.  No ash cloud could hold us back, with the immense amount of planning and organising from the committee the weekends programme ran smoothly without a glitch in sight. When it came to accommodating the mass of delegates from registrations to serving lunch, everything was timed and coordinated with ease.

The atmosphere was electric, and the sun was shining. The exhibitor’s area was buzzing with chatter and laughter, the committee could not have asked for more. The social event brought our Saturday programme to a close with guests gathering for a reception drink in eager anticipation of the night ahead and the announcement of the IVNA Award winners. After the meal, we proudly announced our award winners with a sensational Oscar’s air when announcing “the winner is”; Jeni, Paula and Lorraine, all received great adulation and a standing ovation. It truly was a moment for the history books!!!

Let the games commence, Martin Downes Games MC, did an amazing job by warming the crowd into a jovial mood by getting lucky guests to compete in a "Sterile Limbo Game" by gloving and gowning and without injuries, limbo to win a prize.  Animal Pictionary and Table Quizzing gave other guests opportunities not to go home empty handed with great prizes of stereos, FunkyFobz, Books and of course the obligatory wine.  As the evening went on in to the wee hours and old college mates and colleagues came together with the introduction of new friends, the social quickly morphed to what felt like a great big family reunion, full of craic and laughter.

We where careful not to request too early a start on Sunday, being at many CPD and social events and knowing too well morning after effects of a late night, the Sunday stream started at a very respectable 10.30 am with practical workshops. The relaxed atmosphere on Sunday morning was dreamlike and very comfortable. We thoroughly enjoyed hosting this wonderful event and are completely elated to have received such support and fantastic feedback. Thank you all for attending and making the weekend such a great success.  We look forward to seeing you all next year!!

Ann Marie Byrne RVN

IVNA Chairperson

Just a quick email to all involved in the IVNA Congress to say well done it was a fantastic weekend and really well run.  I only attended on the Saturday but found all lectures very good.  Once again thanks for all the hard work throughout the year and for a great job on the congress.  I look forward to next years.

Mark McCorry RVN, Wicklow

I thought I would email you guys and thank you so much for a really great weekend :) I had a ball and the speakers were fantastic!! So congratulations on a very successful first IVNA congress and may it grow as the years go on! All your hard work was deffo worth it! Well done again and I look forward to the next one cheers :)

Bev Truss DipCAPBT APHC CFRI , Clare

The IVNA Congress was a great success; it was a pleasure to attend both as an exhibitor and a delegate. Tom & I would like to thank you, all the committee members & helpers who made the weekend so enjoyable.  I am definitely looking forward to next year’s congress!  Well done!!

Jackie Buckley RVN, Kildare

Hi, I just wanted to congratulate all the committee on a wonderfully organised 1st congress. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish; it was very informative and interesting.  The evening events were also great fun and most enjoyable, it was a great success.  I hope from this year on it will get bigger and stronger.  Thanks for a great weekend .

Therese O Rourke RVN, Dundalk

August 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of my qualifying as a Veterinary Nurse and I therefore was absolutely delighted to be asked to speak at the Inaugural Congress for the IVNA in May 2010. 

The congress was a great success and the IVNA committee should be congratulated, I thoroughly enjoyed lecturing to such an enthusiastic and interested audience and the Party and Awards ceremony was a credit to the hard work of the IVNA team. 

I am already a member of the IVNA and wear my badge with pride alongside my honorary member’s badge of the BVNA.  Last year after 25 years of service to the British Veterinary Nursing association I was awarded honorary membership, which fills me with pride so I hope that perhaps after 25 years of future service to the IVNA they might consider me for honorary membership too!

Joy Howell RVN Dip AVN (Surgical) MBVNA, UK