Chewing the cud with… Gabrielle Power
Each month, we put the spotlight on a Glanbia Ireland employee and for our April newsletter, we’re talking to Gabrielle Power
Gabrielle Power has worked in the various incarnations of Glanbia for 33 years, from her first days in the office in Kilmeaden in 1989, to the last 21 years as Branch Manager.
Speaking of the changes she’s witnessed over the years, Gabrielle told Overherd: “When I started in 1989 the company had just become Waterford Foods PLC. We then merged with Avonmore in 1997 and subsequently rebranded to Glanbia in 1999. The biggest change in my locality came in 2005 when the Kilmeaden cheese plant closed, but the following year a new Glanbia Agribusiness CountryLife Store opened next to the original creamery site.”
On a personal level, Gabrielle describes working with Glanbia as somewhat of a ‘saviour’ in her life. “I have two children and raised them as a separated woman and a widow. Glanbia saved me, being based in an office close to home was great. I’m also immensely proud of working my way up to Branch Manager and it’s been a great pleasure working with so many fantastic colleagues over the years.”
Away from the office, Gabrielle is a marathon runner. While recovering from a back operation in 2012, she set herself a challenge to run a marathon within three years. “I was bitten by the bug and so far, I have run 10 marathons.” Her next challenge is ‘Run Ireland in 72hrs’ in aid of Waterford & South Kilkenny Down Syndrome Branch. Between April 29 and May 1, Gabrielle will be one of 16 participants to run 5k in each of Ireland’s 32 counties. “We are hoping to raise €32,000 for the provision of the ‘See and Learn’ education programme in the 28 Down Syndrome branches nationwide,” she explains.
