BREAKING: Tipperary Olympian Sharlene Mawdsley’s father dies tragically

Tributes are pouring in following the tragic and sudden passing of Thomas (Tucker) Mawdsley, father of Tipperary Olympian Sharlene Mawdsley.

Thomas is predeceased by his father Tom and adored brother Billy. Sadly missed and forever loved by his loving partner and Sharlene’s mother Louise, mother Sally, sons, daughters, grandchildren, siblings and his extended family and wide circle of friends.

His passing comes as a very sudden shock, with Sharlene competing in Philadelphia, USA only days ago and achieving a season’s best. The Newport AC runner competed in Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track event and earned an impressive $15,000 after coming sixth in the long sprints category with a time of in 51.12s.

Earlier in May, Mawdsley competed in the mixed 4x400m relays in the first round at the World Relays in Guangzhou, China. She was joined by her Irish teammates Conor Kelly, Rhasidat Adeleke and Cillín Greene, together they finished second place and earned their spot in the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships.

READ NEXT: Tipperary’s Sharlene Mawdsley in superb form as two teams qualify for world championships

An incredibly sad and tragic moment in what has otherwise seemed to be a very happy chapter in Sharlene’s life, the gold medalist only recently confirmed her relationship with Tipperary corner-back Michael Breen. 

People have been paying tribute online to Sharlene and her family, sharing memories of Thomas and the character that he was: 

“Heartfelt sympathy to Louise, Sharlene and Keith on the passing of Tom. I will aways have a lovely memory of our chat last summer at our gate when Tom was so nice and friendly. May wonderful memories comfort you in the days ahead and may Tom rest in eternal peace.”

“Our deepest condolences to Louise, Keith, Sharlene, Andrea and too all his extended close family and friends on your loss, Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time, Tucker An absolute gentleman who always had a smile on his face and loved having the craic, Youll be missed by many May you rest in peace.”

“So sorry to hear about the passing of Tom. He was a lovely man who made everyone laugh x
I shared many of these moments with him in my time working with Tom in Homesavers”

“You could work in 100s of places and you would never meet a man like Tom no matter how you felt on the day you were always guaranteed to leave smiling once Tom was around.”

“Our sympathies to you Louise, Sharlene, Keith and to all the family at this most difficult time. Thomas was always so proud of all his family and we know you will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace.”

Thomas’ remains are reposing at Meehan’s Funeral Home Newport on Friday 6 June, 2025 from 5.30 to 7.30 pm with removal to the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, Newport.

Requiem Mass on Saturday 7th June at 11.30 a.m.,which can be viewed on www.churchcamlive.ie/newportbirdhillandtoor burial afterwards in Rockvale Cemetery Newport.

May Thomas rest in peace.