Gemma O’Connor
Live Stranding Network Coordinator
Gemma is coordinator of the IWDG Live Stranding Network. Originally from North Kerry, she now lives with her family on the Mullet Peninsula, Co. Mayo which is one of Ireland’s main hotspots for mass strandings of common dolphins. She has been responding and rescuing dolphins for a number of years and is keen to pass as much of her experience and knowledge to stranding network volunteers through training and workshops.
When a report of a live stranded cetacean is received by IWDG, Gemma will task IWDG volunteers within the network to go and assist that animal and offer advice on best plan for that stranding. Gemma works closely with Strandings Officer, Stephanie Levesque, delivers live stranding courses across Ireland annually and recruit stranding network volunteers from all around Ireland.