Cycling Ireland has issued a brief statement paying tribute to the victim of last Friday’s fatal farm accident, who was named as Gabriel Howard of Stamullen, Co. Meath.

The national governing body for the sport said that it was “incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Gabriel Howard”.

‘Gaybo’ has been at the heart of Irish cycling, and was one of the sport’s hardest-working and most dedicated volunteers.

“Cycling Ireland wishes to offer Kay Howard and all his family, friends and clubmates our deepest sympathies. He leaves a big hole in Irish cycling. Ar dheas De go raibh a anam,” the statement from the sports body concluded.

Gabriel – who was in his 70s – is believed to have been killed on a potato farm in Co. Meath after being hit by a teleporter, according to a spokesperson for the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

The HSA is currently investigating the accident; no other information is available at this time.

Leading figures of cycling in Ireland have also expressed grief and sympathy on social media. Irish cyclist Nicholas Roche posted a message on Twitter stating: “Devastated to hear about Gabriel Howard passing away. A true legend of Irish cycling and a great friend. My condolences and support to the family. RIP.”

Well-known sports journalist Paul Kimmage also expressed his condolences at the tragedy, saying: “Gabriel was a unique man and a truly great servant of Irish cycling. My thoughts are with his darling wife, Kay, and to Siobhan, Seamus and Sinead. RIP.”

This is the third farm death of 2018; On February 1, a man was killed in an accident on a farm in Co. Tipperary.

Last year, out of 47 workplace deaths, 24 farmers died in work-related accidents – with 14 being aged 65 or older.