Twins return home without tragic mum

Bringing your new twin babies home from hospital to meet their 13-month-old sister is normally a cause for celebration, but for Gerard Martin, whose partner died during childbirth, it was heartbreaking.

Gerard’s partner, Carmel Sheridan, died in the Coombe Hospital in Dublin on Sept 27 from complications while she was delivering the babies, who were more than two months premature. Twins Luke and Carmel were discharged from hospital to their home in Clondalkin, Dublin, this week after spending more than eight weeks being monitored.

Gerard’s mother, Ann Martin, said the family has been devas-tated by the death of Carmel, 30, and has a long road ahead caring for the twins and their 13-month-old sister, Aoibhe.

“It is still very raw and very emotional. It has been very tough going, the twins are only back home and Gerard is back with me — he had to give up work to look after the kids,” Ann said.

“The twins are eight weeks now and they weren’t even due until December. It is a full-time job looking after them.”

Ann revealed that Carmel and Gerard had decided to name one twin each — Gerard would pick the boy’s name and Carmel the girl’s name.

“Gerard picked out Luke for the little boy and Carmel couldn’t decide, she kept changing so [after her death] Gerard picked the name Carmel after her mother,” Ann said.

She also told of how the community had rallied around the family — organising fundraising nights and helping out as much as possible.

Ann said: “Gerard and the Martin family and the Sheridan family and all of Carmel’s extended family wish to thank all of the organisers in the community for their continued support at this very sad time.

“For Carmel’s work colleagues in Centra in Neilstown — too many to individually name — we will never forget the support we have received from the whole community and once again we would like to thank them all so much.”

A fundraising night in the Coldcut Club, Ballyfermot, on Saturday raised €5,000 for the family.

The Sheridan family, who are based in Mayo, have been back and forth to Clondalkin to visit the twins and Aoibhe over the last two months and it has been a difficult time for everyone, Ann admitted.

The families are now awaiting the results of the coroner to find out the details of Carmel’s case.

Dr Chris Fitzpatrick, along with the board, staff, and management of the Coombe Hospital, extended sympathy and condolences to the family.

“The Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital is committed to act in the best interests of each of its patients at all times. As patient welfare and privacy is top priority at the hospital, it cannot comment on, or discuss details of individual patients,” a spokesperson said.