Mother dies five months after having triplets
The death of Gemma Carcaterra has shocked many communities in the Mid-West where she was prominent in the performing arts sector.
She was on maternity leave from her post as director of Glór music centre in Ennis, Co Clare, when she was rushed to University College Hospital Limerick , after becoming ill. She died on Thursday.
Ms Carcaterra became a mother for the first time when she had triplets Ava, Rióna, and Coen.
A native of Wolverhampton in England, she took up the prestigious post at Glór in October 2011.
She had previously been general manager at Daghdha Dance, now Dance Limerick.
Board member of Glór, Cllr Mary Howard, said yesterday: “This is devastating news for everyone associated with the arts community in Co Clare.
“Gemma’s enthusiasm for her role at Glór was infectious and she was very proactive, as well as having a close working relationship with members of the board.
“Gemma was a very special lady. I recall with fondness the day she informed me that not only was she pregnant but she was carrying triplets, who are now five months old. Since hearing the news of Gemma’s passing this morning, my thoughts and prayers are with her family and her extended circle of friends.”
Another board member, Cllr Gerry Flynn said: “I had got to know Gemma very well since I was appointed to the board in 2014. During this short length of time, I found her to be a sincere and caring person who was a huge asset to Glór.
“It’s very sad for her family and everyone who knew her. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and her many colleagues at Glór.”
Chief executive of Clare County Council and founding chairman of Glór, Tom Coughlan said: “Gemma made an immense contribution to Glór during her short time as director. Gemma was always a pleasure to meet and she was always brimming with energy and new ideas. My deepest condolences to Gemma’s family.”
The chairperson of Glór, Helen Rackard said: “Gemma will be very sadly missed by those who worked with her. We extend our deepest sympathies to Gemma’s husband Colm Clarke, her three children Ava, Rióna, and Coen, to her parents Rosa and Rob, and to her brother James.”
Ms Carcaterra led a 55-strong team of mainly part-time staff at Glór where the venue contributes €850,000 to the local economy annually.
Originally conceived as a traditional music Irish theatre, Glór now acts as a general arts and entertainment venue.
Christy Moore is due to perform two sell-out shows at the venue this weekend.
