Gabrielle Carey was a founding member of the Prankqueans and someone who held a very special place in each of our hearts with her wisdom, words, wit and laughter. Gabrielle’s Goddinpotty/soirees were a delight, full of linen tablecloths, flowers from her garden, 'Jams Joyce' she had made from her beloved rose bushes , beautiful crockery, cakes, delicious Mexican food as well as artists and academics of all kinds. We feel blessed to have been in her company and will miss her.

The writer of nine acclaimed books Gabrielle developed a lifelong passion for the work of James Joyce and Irish writing, music and culture more generally. Indeed it was Gabrielle’s Joycean inspired suggestion that led to the name we decided upon for our collective. The Prankquean based on the legendary Irish Pirate Queen, Granuaile is a central character in Joyce’s most enigmatic novel ‘Finnegan’s Wake’. Gabrielle felt that the Prankquean suited the spirit of our creative collective perfectly and we unanimously agreed.

We have compiled photos of some special moments we spent with Gabrielle over the years which we share with you here. Indeed we were deeply honored to join Gabrielle’s family, her Finnegan’s Wake reading group and her many admirers to launch her final book, ‘James Joyce, A Life’ at Sydney’s Gaelic Club as part of our Brigid the Rebel Festival on Saturday 3rd February 2024. Go mbeidh suaimhneas síoraí agat Gabrielle a stór..