Tributes have poured in following the tragic passing of a former Republic of Ireland underage star. Amanda Parkes, 35, from Curraheen, passed away peacefully on Monday (February 24) surrounded by her loving family at Cork University Hospital.

Parkes was a gifted soccer player who represented Republic of Ireland women’s Under-19 side and was a lifelong member of Wilton United FC, based a couple of miles west of Cork City.

A notice shared on RIP.ie remembered Amanda as the "beloved daughter of Celia and Paul, loving sister of Melissa, Garreth, Kim, Jason, Roy and Natasha".

It added that she is "sadly missed by her heartbroken family, her loyal companion Ben, brother-in-law Patrick, sisters-in law Lorraine and Ann-marie, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends".

Soccer club Wilton United paid tribute to the talented young athlete in a message shared on social media as they described Amanda as one of their 'greatest players'.

"It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of Wilton United greatest players," they club said on Facebook.

"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."

Amanda was also a keen Gaelic football player who lined out for Ballyphehane Ladies Football Club, with the GAA club paying tribute to her in a message posted online which read: "Ballyphehane Gaa & Ballypheane Ladies Football Club is heartbroken at the untimely passing of our former player Amanda Parkes.

"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. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis."

Current Republic of Ireland star Denise O/Sullivan paid tribute, saying: ""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".

Friends, family and former teammates have also shared heartbreaking tributes to the talented young sportswoman, who has been remembered as 'a gifted player and an amazingly funny person'.

In an emotional tribute shared online, Amanda's godmother said: "My stunning goddaughter Amanda Parkes I still can’t take it in that I will never see your beautiful face again. Look after your mam and sisters and brothers to get through this hard few days you will be missed so so much my gorgeous doll. Hope you get the best bed up in heaven because they are so lucky to have you up there the most precious girl. I love you so much my doll. May you rest in eternal peace till we meet again it’s not good bye it’s see you later."

A close pal of Amanda's said: "R.I.P my friend Amanda Parkes. What a soccer player and what a personality, u were loved by so many people, hope ur at peace now love u will never be forgotten we all at Wilton United Football Club loved and adored u. Love u always my friend."

A former teammate of Amanda's added: "I grew up playing soccer with Amanda, and I always aspired to be as good as she was on the pitch. She really was a gifted player and an amazingly funny person. My condolences to her family."

Another ex-teammate said: "My deepest condolences to Amanda’s family such a sad time for the family. Got to play alongside Amanda in the Irish underage squads a fantastic talented footballer and a lovely person. May she R.I.P."

The parent of one of Amanda's former teammates at Wilton United FC revealed how the talented soccer player 'helped encourage others to play to the best of their ability'.

"Heartfelt condolences to Amanda's family and many friends. We first met Amanda 25 years ago when our boys joined Wilton," they said. "Training was in the old ESB club in Curraheen and Amanda trained with the boys when ladies soccer was in its infancy.

"Amanda's kind caring nature beautiful smile and exceptional ability helped encourage others to play to the best of their ability. She grew to be an amazing woman who's spirit and strength lifted any team she was part of. We will miss her gentle smile but will not forget what she achieved and did in a life cut short. Rest easy Amanda, Miriam Bernard Emma Tom and Alan."

Amanda will repose at the Wilton Funeral Home on Sarsfield Road from 5pm to 6pm on Thursday (February 27), with her funeral mass set to take place in the Church of the Real Presence in Curraheen on Friday.

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox