RCVS saddened by death of Lord Ballyedmond

We were saddened to learn of the death of Lord Ballyedmond in a helicopter crash on 13 March 2014.

Born Edward Haughey and raised to the Peerage as Baron Ballyedmond of Mourne in the County of Down in 2004, he was a long-term friend and supporter of the veterinary profession and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Lord Ballyedmond's contribution to veterinary medicine and the welfare of animals has been immeasurable. He will be sorely missed by the veterinary profession and those associated with it.

Neil Smith, RCVS President

Lord Ballyedmond founded the Newry-based Norbrook Laboratories in 1968, which he grew to become a global leader in the development and manufacture of veterinary medicines.

In addition to his work at Norbrook, Lord Ballyedmond ran a successful research farm in Northern Ireland and had a large agricultural and sporting estate in Cumbria.

He was also known amongst the profession for his charitable acts.

He provided support for meetings of the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and in 2002 he provided financial backing which allowed the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) to hold its annual General Assembly in Belfast.

He was also a generous supporter of the RCVS Charitable Trust (now RCVS Knowledge) both financially and by attending Board meetings in his role as Honorary Vice-President.

In recognition of his immense contribution to the profession Lord Ballyedmond was elected as an Honorary Associate of the RCVS in 2005 (pictured above, with former RCVS President John Parker).

RCVS President, Neil Smith, says:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Lord Ballyedmond. His contribution to veterinary medicine and the welfare of animals has been immeasurable. He will be sorely missed by the veterinary profession and those associated with it. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”