Gabriel Howard Epic - In Memory of Gabriele Glodenyte

Having completed no fewer than 22 Rás Tailteanns and the winner of the longest stage of the 1965 Rás Tailteann, Gabriel (Gaybo) Howard was a legend of Irish cycling and a founding member of Stamullen Road Club in 1983, leading a legacy of success and development until his unfortunate passing in 2018.

On the 22nd of June 1975, fresh from completing yet another Rás, albeit with a broken wrist, he set out on an epic ride to raise money to build a community centre for Stamullen to Galway and back…. in one go! But for Gabriel, many of our members would not have been introduced to the sport of cycling, others have found inspiration in his reputation as a cyclist, man of the Rás and as member of his local community.

In his honour, members of VCB will endeavor to follow the route that Gabriel took that Sunday, on May 25th 2024. With the route closing out at over 500km, our training is well under way.

Gabriel’s epic journey in 1975 was in aid of a very deserving cause. As is ours. With the endorsement of the Howard family, VCB members are completing this ride to raise funds for a memorial for the late Gabriele Glodenyte who sadly lost her life in 2023 while training on her bike.

A rising star in the Irish cycling community, Gabriele competed and won many races from the Orwell women’s league to the National series and she was always present with a smile, good humour and time for people. In her short few years in racing she made a huge impact both on and off the bike.

Please take some time to listen to her partner Sean’s discussion with Anthony Walsh about her achievements and the steps we must take to ensure our roads are safer for all:

Her Life Ended Doing What She Loved Sean Landers

If you would like to support us to mark the incredible lives of two amazing people please do through the fundraising link below, or by following our social media for more information about the route. We would love to see you along the road on the day.