Cork naval officer hospitalised after being hit by car on cycling holiday in Spain

Senior chief petty officer in the Irish Navy Donal Goulding. Donie Goulding

A senior chief petty officer in the Irish Navy suffered severe head injuries and is in a coma, while two of his friends were also hospitalised after they were struck by a car in Spain, having arrived in the country for a cycling holiday.

Donal (Donie) Goulding flew into Alicante with a group of friends on Wednesday.

The group were taking their bikes out for a short spin at Orihuela when they were hit by a passing vehicle. One person was treated at the side of the road, while the other three were hospitalised.

Donal, who lives in Cork, was the most seriously injured of the group.

Dave O’Leary, a friend and former colleague of Donal, said the 59-year-old suffered the most severe injuries in the group.

“He is currently in a coma in a local hospital, and while information is still emerging, the situation is critical.” Dave spent a significant amount of time in the Naval Service working with Donie, whom he described as a gem of a person.

“He is someone who has dedicated his life to service — both at sea and within his community. Known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering willingness to help others, Donie is the type of person who shows up when people need him most.

"Outside of his naval career, Donie’s great passion is cycling. As a proud member of the Ballincollig Crusaders Cycling Club, he has spent countless hours on the road with friends, building connections and supporting fellow cyclists.

"Each year, he looked forward to travelling to Spain, where his club would stay and cycle with their friends at Orihuela Costa Cycling — a tradition filled with camaraderie, sunshine, and the simple joy of the open road.” 

Dave has set up a fundraiser for Donal and his family at their time of need.

"(Donal's) daughter Nicola has been appointed as the sole beneficiary for any money raised and has complete control over how this money is spent to support Sinead, Nicola, and Jake during this period, so that they can pay for flights, accommodation, and whatever is needed in order for them to be by his bedside during this tough time.”

"As his family comes to terms with this devastating news, one thing is clear: They need to be by Donie’s side.

"Travelling to Spain, securing accommodation, and taking time away from work all come at a significant and unexpected financial cost during an already overwhelming time.

"This fundraiser has been created to support Donie’s family — to help ease the financial burden so they can focus entirely on what matters most: being there for him.”

Donie is a keen charity fundraiser and was involved in a charity cycle ride between Mizen and Malin Head to raise funds for a Cork hospice. He has also raised funds for hospital Children’s Wards.

Donations to the fundraiser can be made here.