'Please keep shining' - Tearful Sharlene Mawdsley thanks dad for 'trusting my dreams weren't too big' in funeral tribute

'SLEEP TIGHT' ‘Please keep shining’ – Tearful Sharlene Mawdsley thanks dad for ‘trusting my dreams weren’t too big’ in funeral tribute

A TEARFUL Sharlene Mawdsley told her dad's funeral how he "made me trust that my dreams were never too big".

Thomas 'Tucker' Mawdsley sadly died last Tuesday at the age of 67.

3 Thomas Mawdsley sadly died on Tuesday

3 Sharlene Mawdsley read a tearful tribute to him Credit: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

3 Mawdsley thanked him for trusting her dreams were never too big Credit: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

He was laid to rest at an emotional funeral service at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer in his native Newport on Saturday.

Mourners were told of how he had "many and varied interests" which were on display in gifts presented to the altar.

Among those presented was a scarf of his favourite football team Manchester United and a box of memories, with Thomas having "left many beautiful memories behind".

His daughter Sharlene Mawdsley, meanwhile, presented a 'Super Dad' teddy bear symbolising how he was the "world's best dad".

Also brought forward was a can of beer and a dart board, with the congregation told how 'Tucker' would often partake in the latter so long as he didn't have the former.

Finally, there was a remote control, with Thomas living by the principle of "the bigger the screen, the more he liked it."

Attendees were told how the sudden nature of Tucker's death will leave his family "shocked and bewildered and no doubt wondering what life will be like without him."

The priest said: "You loved him and he loved you and your hearts will always be with your heart."

Tucker was remembered as a "good humoured and unassuming person" who "enjoyed a bit of banter".

The congregation was told how he took "incredible pride" in the sporting achievements of Sharlene and his grandson Keith.

Sharlene Mawdsley shows off makeup before Zagreb race

The heartbreaking service was bookended by a heartbreaking eulogy read by Sharlene herself.

The 26-year-old thanked those who had come to the funeral and used the speech to "give you a bit of an insight into who my dad really was".

The Paris Olympian revealed that the memories and stories shared since her dad's death had "made me both laugh and cry."

She said: "For me, my dad was more than just my dad.

"He was my cleaner, my mechanic, my chef, and very often my taxi driver. He even became the best baby sitter for my little girl Lola.

"For those who don't know, Lola is my puppy. He became best friends with a dog he didn't want and she will now forever be known as big ears."

He made me trust that my dreams were never too big and, for that, some of my dreams have already come true."

Mawdsley paid tribute to the "truly special" love he had for his kids and grandkids the love he had for his kids and grandkids.

She shared a poignant story relating to one of his biggest passions - soccer - from when he took over as an underage coach with Newport FC.

Sharlene explained: "There were often some very passionate words exchanged on the sidelines but I won't get into those today.

"What I can tell you was there wasn't a game that went by where my dad didn't shout, 'pass Keith the ball!'

"This was funny as, little did anybody now, Keith would get €20 for every goal he scored from my dad."

An avid and lifelong Manchester United, Mawdsley revealed her dad had been buried in a Red Devils jersey, adding: "I hope that brings you some luck".

The Tipperary star continued: "Dad was a creature of habit.

"He always sat in the same seat, always drank from the same mug, always ordered the roast with half mash and half chips when out for dinner with a couple of pints of Coor's.

"He visited his mother Sally every Wednesday without fail and sometimes that alone was the highlight of his week."

She fought back tears as she told how she could "never pick just one memory" as "there are simply too many".

DREAM MAKER

Mawdsley has become one of Ireland's brightest sports stars in recent years.

She bagged silver and gold in the women's and mixed 4x400m relays respectively at the European Athletics Championships in 2024.

The Newport AC export followed that with a promising performance at the Paris Olympics that saw her narrowly miss out on a medal.

During the eulogy, Sharlene credited her ability to achieve her dreams on the track to her dad's unwavering support and belief in his daughter.

She said: "He made me trust that my dreams were never too big and, for that, some of my dreams have already come true.

"The best part is I got to share them with you, Dad."

She also paid tribute to her dad's relationship with her mum, Louise.

Mawdsley hailed: "I believe you learn a lot from how a man should treat you from your father, so I am very lucky to know that extremely well.

"Dad was Mam's best friend and he was her's.

"He was also her walking buddy, her listening ear because those who don't know Louise, she likes to talk.

"He was her team maker and, most importantly, they were soul mates. They were always a team.

"Aside from all the things he did for her, he loved her deeply.

"I will be forever grateful that I got to see how happy he made her and although I will do my very best to replicate that, I know that he will look down and protect her."

As well as grief and mourning, her moving speech was laced with humour.

This was on display when she spoke of her dad's love of technology and loyalty to a particular brand.

She revealed: "I could speak all day on his love of technology and how he would tell everybody he knows which TV they should get but I would genuinely be here all day.

"But make sure it is a Sony because he told me, 'Shars, that has all the apps.'"

Sharlene was moved to tears as she articulated one final message to him which earned a round of applause from the congregation.

She lamented: "Dad, just know you were loved by so many and you lit up every room you walked in.

"Please keep shining that light for us.

"I speak for us all when I say we love you forever dad. May you get the best bed in heaven.

"Sleep tight."

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