Warm tributes paid to teenager who died in Cork road collision

Irish Independent

24-07-2025

The teenager who hailed from Skibbereen has been lovingly remembered as hardworking, kind and friendly.
The local sports clubs also acknowledged his great strength and for possessing a fabulous left leg.
The incident, involving a car and a truck, occurred between Ballinhassig and Innishannon on the N71 at approximately 7.15am last Monday morning.
The driver of the car suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The teenager who died in the collision has been named locally as 19-year-old Dovydas Palkis from Gortnaclohy Heights in Skibbereen.
Posting on their social media page, Skibbereen AFC passed on their deepest condolences to extended family members of the teenager who played with the club for many years. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother Stella and father Vidmantas, step father John and Vidmantas partner Agne, step sister Chloe and all of his family and friends.
The club added that Dovydas was a really lovely young man with a fabulous left leg. 'He will be greatly missed by the club, his former coaches, teammates and the wider Skibbereen community. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam.'
O'Donovan Rossa GAA Club also extended their deepest condolences to the family of Dovydas Palkis on the heartbreaking news of his death.
In a moving post on social media the club said they have wonderful members of Dovydas as a young boy playing Gaelic football with his friends. 'He played all the way up to U17 where he stepped away to concentrate on his Leaving Cert exams. He was a fantastic corner back with great strength and determination, who for such a quiet character was fearless on the pitch.
'He will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of playing or coaching him as a quiet, respectful young man who we will miss dearly. Rest in peace Dovydas,' the Skibbereen GAA club added.
As a mark of respect to the family, Skibbereen Arts Festival have announced that the 90s-themed street party which was due to be held in the town on Friday, July 25 has been cancelled.
They added that their thoughts and prayers are with the family at this terrible time.
St Patrick's Boys' National School also paid a lovely tribute to Dovydas. 'When we think of Dovydas, the words respectful, hardworking, determined, kind, and friendly were spoken of him throughout his years in our school. All of our staff speak so fondly of Dovydas . It was a pleasure to have met him. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam.
Requiem Mass for Dovydas will take place on Friday, July 25 at 12 noon in St Patrick's Cathedral in Skibbereen, followed by cremation at the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy at 4pm.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.
Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, and were travelling in the area between 7am and 7.30am are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on [phone], the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.