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We’re incredibly proud to have Mullinahone Co-op as our very first partner promotion and look forward to sharing these amazing offers with our members! This brand new initiative was created with one goal in mind: to make your membership work harder for you! Every two months, we’ll spotlight one of the trusted businesses that supports our industry and bring you an exclusive members-only offer. And we couldn’t think of a better partner to launch with than… Mullinahone Co-op!
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Episode 1 - Christina O'Brien Grooming Greats is IPDGA’s monthly interview series celebrating the people who help shape and inspire our profession. In each episode we sit down with a different leading groomer or industry figure to explore their journey, experiences and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Through relaxed, unscripted conversations, Grooming Greats offers insight into professional grooming careers, competitions, education, creativity and the realities of working within our industry. Whether you are newly qualified or highly experienced, each episode is designed to inform, inspire, and connect our grooming community. Watch the pilot episode here and join us as we learn directly from the grooming greats — one conversation at a time. We hope you enjoyed this episode of Grooming Greats. New interviews are going to be released regularly, each featuring a different grooming professional sharing their experience, insight, and perspective. Be sure to check back for future episodes as the series continues.  This week, the Irish Professional Dog Groomers Association (IPDGA) met with Neill McDonnell, CEO of ISME, and Sarah Montayne, Membership Relations, to discuss the future of our industry and the potential for meaningful, long-term change for professional groomers in Ireland.
The meeting marked an important step in exploring how the IPDGA can work alongside ISME to advocate for improved conditions for groomers, recognizing the essential welfare role our profession plays and the challenges faced by small, service-based businesses. What Was Discussed?  On 22 November, the grooming community gathered in Belfast for the Celtic Coat Dog Grooming Awards, hosted by long-standing IPDGA members Michael Shiels and Tanya Salas. From start to finish, the day was filled with positivity, connection, and recognition for groomers right across the country.
This wasn’t a grooming competition in the usual sense, in fact, no dogs were groomed on the day, apart from four excellent demo dogs presented by Isabella Doblas Jones, Lyndsey Murphy, James Holberry, and Tracey Douglas. Each demo offered practical learning, helpful techniques, and plenty of easy, relaxed conversation that everyone could relate to. Huge congratulations to our outgoing Chairperson Karina presented with ‘Lifetime Achievement ‘ award at the recent Celtic Coat event . A wonderful night for everyone involved - congratulations to all the nominees and winners. 
Dear Members,
I’m both honoured and delighted to be emailing you as your new Chair of the IPDGA. Stepping into this role fills me with pride, gratitude, and real excitement for what lies ahead. Firstly, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible success of this year’s Madra Mania. It was truly inspiring to see our community come together with such passion and creativity. Having the opportunity to shadow Karina throughout the planning and event itself was invaluable — her dedication and leadership have left big shoes to fill, and I’m deeply grateful for her guidance and support.  The IPDGA blog is back! As the new Chair, I’m eager to use this space to share updates, ideas, and inspiration from across our vibrant community.
Advertisement for a self employed dog groomer position located at Gold Star Grooming, Gort, Co Galway. Starting from January 2023, applications taken from October 2022. Groomer must have minimum 3 years grooming experience and a portfolio of their work on different breeds.
Please send CV to [email protected] My first encountered with AJ was a few years prior at a Madra Mania event. AJ and his friend Emer Murphy came to admire my standard poodle Reeva. I believe both were familiar with Christina O' Brien, my poodles breeder. AJs quick smile and chatty personality made him instantly easy company. He was also an immediate hit with my 2 poodles. Following this introduction I would later meet Aj at other canine events such as shows and grooming seminars. He would always have words of encouragement or offers of help and quite often he would left holding someone's dog whom he would talk to as if it were his own. I also believe Aj was one of the main instigators of acquiring our "Galway Groomers" what's app group. Somewhere Galway groomers can go ask for help or info on dogs or clients. I for one love the idea of groomers locally based helping and aiding each other in our ever changing profession.  It would be in late November this year where I believe AJ truly manifested the Spirt of Mary Toland. My dad had been unwell and had to spend some time in hospital where he would later under go a procedure for stents. My dad has never bn unwell and It was a worrying time for my sisters and I.
During a brief message to Aj regarding something else I would confide in him my dad's condition and how I was finding it extremely daunting and difficult to keep my grooming appointments. ( my sister and I were covering my father's driving job and I also work part time in a pharmacy) I believe it is routine of AJ to take the last week of November off work so he has adequate rest in the run up to the Christmas period. Upon hearing about my predicament AJ offered to come to my salon, which is over an hour from his home and groom my clients dogs to help me out. I was so touched at this gesture. Being self employed we are all way to familiar with how sacred our holidays are and here AJ was offering up his cherished time off to help me out. Further to this offering I was later to hear of another kind gesture from AJ this time to one of his clients and a friend of mine. This lady owned a v charismatic boxer who was getting on a bit and to our heart break had a untreatable tumour of size growning in his heart. Although still hail and hearty he was able to attend AJ for his regular grooms. Prior to one of his grooms his owner Informed Aj that she may not be able to bring him and her Chinese crested for their up coming grooming appointments citing financial strain due to increased medical cost in treating her beloved boy. AJ told her not to worry about paying him in this instance and groomed her dogs free of charge, again this single gesture at a time of need touched deep and my friend was to remember such kindness with fondness AJ is always v encouraging and active on social media when groomers have asked for advice or opinions. His true love of dog grooming and all things canine are plain to be seen in all that his does. I dont think any of us have ever experienced an awkward silence while in conversation with Aj or even just a silence 🤣 and he has an unique way of inspiring, encouraging and aiding fellow groomers. I believe he truly embodies the spirit of Mary Toland. ❤ Kate Mc Namara |
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