(October 1989 - 1996) (divorced)
Karla did acting with Gaiety School of Acting (Patrick Sutton) and went on to a three year exclusive contract with William Morris (London). She was a top fashion model with agencies in Ireland, Paris and Germany. When she became romantically involved with Joe, she put her career on hold so that she could be with him during his grueling touring schedule. Karla is credited with creating Joe's shredded pants, and, from what we hear, his spray-painted shirts.
It is common knowledge that Karla gave Joe an ultimatum to either say goodbye to his current girlfriend, Denise, or her. Joe chose to be with Karla, and the two wed in Sheffield on October 4, 1989. "I was madly in love with him," she says, "He was the love of my life. I remember coming out of the registry office in Sheffield and looking at the wall with all the graffiti on it and going: 'This is romantic!' (Laughs)"
Joe and Karla quickly became rock's foremost couple; we've heard them remembered fondly as "the heavy metal Posh 'n' Becks".
Things would eventually get rocky, and both Joe and Karla would recount different stories later; however, both admit that her desire to have children once they were married became a major issue. What resulted was an affair between Joe and the Adrenalize tour stewardess, Bobbie Tolsma. Joe and Karla seperated in 1994, and their divorce was final in June of 1996.
Karla was clearly devastated by her failed marriage. It seems that she has never been the same in the Love Department. She has had a string of engagements and failed relationships since Joe (Dave Walsh, Declan Burke, Conrad Gallagher, David Doane, etc.).
In November 2007, Karla bought a health, beauty and detox center called Sanas. Sanas had previously been owned by Betty Cosgrave. By the Spring of 2008, Sanas closed, and Karla was left in financial ruins.
Karla went from the Dublin socialite scene to being forced to sell all of her belongings to make ends meet.