Tragic- mum of triplets drops dead on maternity leave - just five months after giving birth

Tributes were paid today to a 42-year-old mother who died suddenly only five months after giving birth to triplets. New mum Gemma Carcaterra was still on maternity leave when she was rushed to hospital, where she died on Thursday.

Gemma Carcaterra was still on maternity leave when she was rushed to hospital, where she died on Thursday. Ms Carcaterra had recently become a mother with her five-month-old triplets, Ava, Rióna and Coen.

Colleagues of the Wolverhampton-born mother paid tribute to her yesterday and said her death was 'devastating news' for everyone who knew her.

Ms Carcaterra took up the prestigious post at glór music centre in 2011 in Ennis, County Clare, reports the Irish Mirror.

Energy: Gemma (left) has been praised by her employer who said she will be sorely missed

Board member of glór, Cllr Mary Howard, said today: "This is devastating news for everyone associated with the arts community in County 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.

She added: "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 of glór, 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."

He said: "This is devastating news 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."

Prior to taking her post at glór, Ms Carcaterra was general manager at Daghdha Dance.

Ms Carcaterra led a 55-strong team of mainly part time staff and the venue contributes £660,000 to the local economy annually.

The Mirror