'Happy Father's Day,' Sharlene Mawdsley's touching picture montage of her late father

Tipperary sprinter Sharlene Mawdsley has paid a touching tribute to her late father on Father's Day this Sunday. 

The Olympian posted a montage of pictures of her and her father, Thomas (Tucker) Mawdsley, who passed away tragically on June 3, saying: "Happy Father's Day to a very special man."

Sharlene also followed up with another post adding she "made it to the track today". 

"Sweet dreams Dad," was what Sharlene wrote in a touching Instagram post after her father's death with pictures of her and Thomas in happier times after he was laid to rest on Saturday, June 7. 

READ NEXT: Sharlene Mawdsley's father remembered as 'the world's best dad' at touching funeral service

Tributes have poured in following the tragic and sudden passing of Thomas, as Sharlene and the rest of her family come to terms with his passing. 

At his funeral in his hometown of Newport, Thomas was remembered by a church full of family and friends. 

READ NEXT: Tipperary Olympian Sharlene Mawdsley's father dies tragically

To begin the ceremony, several members of his family and friends brought tokens to the altar, each a representation of an aspect of Thomas' life. 

Andrea presented a Manchester United scarf, representing his love for the football team.

Karen brought up a box of memories, showcasing the many good memories he left behind.

Sharlene presented a "super dad" teddy bear, because to her, Thomas was "the best dad in the world".

Keith brought up a can of Coors, because Thomas was a very sociable man and enjoyed a can of Coors.

Tommo brought up a set of darts because Thomas loved to play a game of darts.

Lucy brought a remote control, "Tucker loved TV, the bigger TV the more he liked it."

Following a rendition of the Willie Nelson song Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain after communion, Sharlene took to the pulpit to deliver a heartfelt eulogy for her father:

"I just want to start by thanking everyone for being here today. Unfortunately, it’s under these difficult circumstances, but I hope to give you a bit of an insight into who my dad really was.

"A lot of you will know Tucker, some of you will know Tom or Thomas, some even Tommy but for me he’s dad.

"Over the past number of days I’ve reminisced on all of the memories we have shared and listened carefully to those around me who have shared joyful memories and stories that have made me both laugh and cry.

"For me, 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 babysitter for my little girl Lola. For those of you who don’t know, Lola is my dog. He became best friends with a dog he didn’t want and she will now forever be known as ‘big ears’.

"Although Lola was up there with dad’s favourites, the love he had for his kids and grandkids was truly special. Not only was he a great dad and a great person, he was a great friend. He cherished his time with loved ones, an example being when he became the manager of the under 8 Newport FC team with his best friend Donnach. That’s where his passion really shone through. 

"There were often some very passionate words exchanged on the sidelines but I won’t get into them today. What I can tell you, is that there wasn’t a game that went by that my dad didn’t shout ‘pass Keith the ball’, this was funny because little did anyone know, Keith would get twenty euro for every goal he scored, from my dad. 

"If you knew dad, you 100% were sure to know ‘Glory Glory Man United’. His love for soccer was something out of the ordinary, so much so, he is laid to rest in his Man Utd  jersey. So Dad, I hope that brings you some luck.

"I could never pick just one memory I’ve shared with dad to be a standout favourite because there are simply too many. 

"He made me trust that my dreams were never too big and for that some of my dreams have already come true and the best part is that I got to share them with you dad. 

"Dad, just know that you are 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 dead, may you get the best bed in heaven. Sleep tight.’

Following his touching funeral Mass in the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, Newport, Thomas’ burial took place in Rockvale Cemetery, Newport.