Donie Goulding from Cork, who is well known in the Naval Service and in cycling circles, has been left seriously injured after the incident on a cycling holiday in Spain
An Irish club rider has been left in a coma in a Spanish hospital after the group he was riding in was hit by a driver in the south of the country on Wednesday. And now a fundraiser launched to help with his medical bills and family’s expenses has already raised €45,000.
Donal Goulding of Ballincollig Crusaders Cycling Club in Co Cork was one of three Irish riders hospitalised after the crash, though he is the most seriously injured of the victims.
The three cyclists – aged 56, 59, and 62 – were riding in a group when the collision occurred on the CV-925 road in the municipality of Orihuela. The Civil Guard Traffic Unit officers and Orihuela Local Police rushed to the scene.
The crash happened just after 3.30pm local time yesterday, Wednesday, near the La Pedrera reservoir, close to the village of Torremendo.
The two cyclists who are seriously injured were taken to the Vega Baja Hospital while Goulding, who suffered a head injury, was taken to the Vinalopó Hospital in Elche for treatment.
The exact circumstances of the crash were unclear, though an investigation is now underway.
Dave O’Leary, a friend of Goulding’s from the Naval Service, has now launched a GoFundMe to help with the medical bills, and the family expenses that will arise from the incident.
Goulding’s family are also involved in the fund and are the sole beneficiaries, with the money intended to go towards “flights, accommodation and whatever is needed in order for them to be by his bedside during this tough time”.
“Donal ‘Donie’ Goulding, a senior chief petty officer with the Irish Naval Service, is someone who has dedicated his life to service, both at sea and within his community,” said O’Leary.
“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 traveling 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.
“On Wednesday, April 8th, Donie arrived in Spain for what was meant to be another memorable week of cycling with friends.
“After getting fitted for their bikes, the group headed out for a short spin – something they had done many times before. Tragically, during this ride, a number of cyclists were struck by a car.
“Donie has 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.”
The link to the fundraiser can be found right here.