DENISE O’SULLIVAN has described ex-Ireland youth star Amanda Parkes as a “beautiful soul” following her heartbreaking death at 35.
Parkes, a fellow Cork-native of O’Sullivan’s, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Cork University Hospital on Monday.
Amanda Parkes has died at the age of 35[/caption]
As well as being from the same county as O’Sullivan, Parkes played alongside the Ireland talisman at Peamount United.
The pair were part of the Eileen Gleeson-managed side that became the first Irish club to get to the knock-out stage of a European competition.
They did so in the 2011/12 Champions League, in which they finished second in a group that contained Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, ŽNK Krka and Pärnu FC.
O’Sullivan paid tribute to her former teammate on social media, describing her as a beautiful soul.
The 31-year-old said: “I had the pleasure of knowing Amanda and getting to play with her for many years.
“She was a beautiful soul who always put a smile on other people’s face. Incredibly heartbreaking.
“Thinking of her family and friends. Rest easy Amanda”.
Parkes’ untimely passing was announced by her home club Wilton United, of which she had been a member.
The club said: “It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of Wilton United greatest players.
“Amanda Parkes passed away on the 24/2/25. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.
“A genuine, kind person she will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace.”
This was followed by a tweet from the FAI, which offered its condolences to the bereaved family.
It read: “The FAI sends its condolences to the family, friends & former team-mates of Amanda Parkes, who sadly passed away.
“The Cork native was a former Ireland international & member of Wilton United.
“She will be deeply missed.”
Ballyphehane GAA Club, for which she was a player, joined in the tributes.
The club said: “Amanda was known to many for her incredible sporting ability, but above all else how kind hearted she was.
“Today, our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with Amanda family along with her former teammates, friends, and all who were privileged to know her.”
‘KIND PERSON’
Niall O’Regan is the Head of Education and Development at the FAI.
And he said: “Amanda was a great player, a very kind person and was loved by all her team mates who have so many fond memories of the joy she brought, condolences to all Amanda’s friends, team mates & family. A loss that will be felt by so many. RIP Amanda.”
Amanda will be reposing at the Wilton Funeral Home on Thursday, February 27 from 5pm to 6pm.
Requiem Mass will be noon on Frida, February 28 in the Church of the Real Presence, Curraheen, with funeral afterwards to The Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy.
