Honouring Our Founders
MADRA Founders awarded Honorary Doctorates by the University of Galway
Marina Fiddler and Tara Nic Dhiarmada will be honoured by the University of Galway for their outstanding contributions to animal welfare, through their founding of MADRA (Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption).
Since 2005, MADRA has become an integral part of the West of Ireland thanks to the organisation’s tireless efforts in rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming stray, abandoned and surrendered dogs, particularly from the Galway and Mayo pounds. Prior to MADRA’s exclusive work with the three local councils (Galway County Council, Galway City Council and Mayo County Council) euthanasia rates peaked in some of the locations at 83 per cent; today, these rates are below ten per cent.
Almost 20 years later, the charity has rescued and rehomed in excess of 10,000 dogs.
When founding the charity, one of the main goals of its founders was to focus on educating the public. Marina and Tara established education, awareness and outreach programmes on spaying, neutering and responsible dog ownership. MADRA has also actively strived to establish links with City and County Councils and other local, national and international animal welfare organisations, local businesses, and veterinary clinics, all with an aim of improving and saving the lives of dogs in the west of Ireland.
About Our Founders
Marina Fiddler
Marina first became involved in animal welfare when she volunteered for the DSPCA as a teenager. After moving to Galway in the 1980s she quickly became involved with the Galway SPCA, only stepping back as a volunteer when she and her husband Paul opened their own dog boarding and training facility in Connemara in 1995. This facility gradually evolved into the charity’s current rescue centre, with priority being given to unwanted and stray dogs over boarding space for family pets.
Marina still lives at the rescue centre in Camus, dedicating her time 24/7 to help the MADRA team, the animals in their care and the people who need MADRA’s help. A lifelong advocate for animals, her tireless work with MADRA was previously recognised in 2010 when she received the Galway Person of the Year Award.
Marina’s decades of involvement in animal welfare have seen her invited to contribute to several local and national forums, and since 2019 she has served as a trustee with the ADCH (www.adch.org.uk) which is an umbrella group for dog and cat welfare organisations across the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands. Marina travels to the UK regularly to support and mentor the smaller member organisations.
Tara Nic Dhiarmada
A Dublin native originally, prior to 2005 Tara spent several years in San Francisco, where she immersed herself in animal welfare work, gaining valuable experience with San Francisco SPCA and ‘Rocket Dog Rescue’, both organisations known for their pioneering no-kill policies and rehabilitation. During this time, she also earned a professional qualification in dog training and behaviour, specialising in working with dog aggression and strong breeds. San Francisco’s advanced approach to animal welfare, both in policy and practical administration, gave Tara vital skills in handling formalities and rescue operations, which would prove invaluable upon her return to Ireland.
Tara returned to Ireland with a renewed sense of purpose and a deepened commitment to dog welfare. It was then that she met Marina Fiddler, who also had a mutual dedication to improving the lives of unwanted and abandoned dogs. With their combined experience, passion and dedication, they founded MADRA, turning their shared vision into a widely respected rescue charity that continues to have a profound impact on the region.