Iconic Irish businesswoman and Budget Travel founder Gillian Bowler has died

She also founded Clickandgo.com and served as chair for Irish Life and Permanent.

By Fora Staff December 15th 2016 1 min read

BUDGET TRAVEL FOUNDER Gillian Bowler has died aged 64. It is understood that she had been ill for some time.

A well-known figure in the Irish business community, Bowler also served as chair of Irish Life and Permanent, and launched the online travel website Clickandgo.com in 2010.

She founded Budget Travel in her early 20s in 1975, along with her husband Harry Snyder. She sold 90% of her stake to UK group Granada in the late 80s before selling the other 10% in 1996.

Bowler was appointed to the board of Irish Life and Permanent in 1998, before stepping down from her position in 2010. She is survived by her husband, Harry, and her step-daughter Rachel.

Many have paid tribute to Bowler, posting their reactions on Twitter.

Very sad to hear of Gillian Bowler's death. I interviewed her once, lovely lady. Fantastic business-woman. RIP.
— Sinead Ryan (@sinead_ryan) December 15, 2016

Source: Sinead Ryan/Twitter

RIP Gillian Bowler - a great supporter of woman in business
— claire ronan (@Claire_Ronan) December 15, 2016

Source: claire ronan/Twitter

Terribly sad to hear of the passing of #GillianBowler you were an inspiration to me so much so I opened one of your shops. May you RIP 😞 pic.twitter.com/sW5xzHZtKq
— Pamela Brownlee (@PamelaBrownlee1) December 15, 2016

Source: Pamela Brownlee/Twitter

According to Rip.ie, a celebration of Gillian’s life will take place in Mount Jerome in Dublin this Saturday at 10am.

Written by Sean Murray and posted on TheJournal.ie