Women in Business: Johanne Duff

Established in 1986, Lynset is one of the longest running boarding kennels in the country. Situated on 10 acres in the heart of the midlands at Rosewood Cottage in Ballykeeran, on the outskirts of Athlone, the business model has always been about creating a holiday atmosphere for their guests.

The purpose built kennels provide cozy accommodation for dogs along with peaceful country walks, and they also offer a dog grooming service which has grown massively over the last few years. Whereas dogs may have been treated to an annual bath and haircut in years gone by, now Lynset Kennels dog grooming clients return 3-4 times a year which is much better for both dog and groomer!

Under the capable management of Johanne Duff and her team, Lyset also offers top class cattery facilities and their feline clients really enjoy the hustle and bustle of the busy cattery and a secure outdoor run for exercise and sunbathing!

Johanne always wanted to work with animals. She got her first dog, Benji, a Cairn terrier, from Santa when she was just six years old and her passion for animals has grown from there.

She spent her transition year working in Humphrey Murphy’s Veterinary practice on the Ballymahon Rd and then started in 1994 working during her school holidays and at weekends with the owner of Lynset Kennels, Lynda-Higgins-Dowling, who was looking for extra help with her growing kennel business.

After completing a Degree in Animal Science in Essex, Johanne returned to Ireland and took up a full time position at Lynset as yard manager and head dog groomer in 2001. After a move to Cork in 2011 to work as a Veterinary Assistant for Blarney Vet Clinic she returned to Ballykeeran in 2017 to take over the running of Lynset Kennels from the Dowling Family.

Johanne says people are taking greater care of their animals. “We have a number of doggy day care clients who enjoy spending the day socialising with their canine buddies in the countryside while their owners are at work” she says.

While she stresses that owning a pet “is a big commitment” she points out that the rewards are “fantastic.”

Johanne and her team are delighted to continue to cater for their clients pet needs and are always available for help and advice in helping to care for their furry friends.

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