'A beautiful soul': Tributes paid to Ireland international Amanda Parkes who has died, aged 35

"She was a beautiful soul who always put a smile on other people’s face. Incredibly heartbreaking," said Denise O'Sullivan.

RIP: The FAI sends its condolences to the family, friends & former team-mates of Amanda Parkes, who sadly passed away. Pic: FAI.

Tributes have been paid to former Republic of Ireland international Amanda Parkes following her passing on Monday.

Parkes, who was 35, began her career with Wilton United and briefly represented Peamount United in the 2011-2012 Champions League after impressing for her local side in the FAI Cup Final.

She helped the Peas become the first Irish team ever to qualify for the knockout stages of a European competition while she also represnted Ireland at underage level before progressing to the senior side.

On Wednesday, many began paying their respects with the Football Association of Ireland tweeting: "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."

Her former teammate and current Ireland international Denise O'Sullivan posted:" 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."

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 💚 https://t.co/6fAAGXIjsr

— Denise O'Sullivan (@OSullivanDenise) February 26, 2025

And her friend and former Wilton United teammate Barbara O'Connell penned a moving tribute for the Echo.

"What a person she was. The most kind hearted, soft spoken, generous, thoughtful, funny person. She always tried to be happy even when times were tough.

"She absolutely loved football, loved Wilton. Wilton loved you Amanda and we are absolutely devastated to have lost our beloved number eight."

Cork City FC Women stated: "Everyone at Cork City FC is saddened to learn of the death of Amanda Parkes.

"A former Ireland international, who also played for Wilton United and featured for the old Cork Women's FC.

"Our thoughts are with Amanda's family and friends at this difficult time."

Former Republic of Ireland striker Stephanie Zambra added: "Very sad to hear this news. Amanda was such a lovely girl and a very talented footballer. Deepest condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time."

Amanda is survived by her parents Celia and Paul, her siblings Melissa, Garreth, Kim, Jason, Roy and Natasha, her companion Ben, brother-in-law Patrick, sisters-in law Lorraine and Ann-marie, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She will repose at the Wilton Funeral Home, Sarsfield Road of Jerh. O’Connor Ltd. on Thursday from 5pm to 6pm. The Requiem Mass will take place at noon on Friday in the Church of the Real Presence, Curraheen.