Huge crowd turns out in Newport to welcome home Sharlene Mawdsley

Sharlene Mawdsley became a household name over the summer and she lit up the banks of the Mulcair last Sunday evening.

Following her fantastic performances at the European Championships and at the Paris Olympics last Sunday evening in Newport was always going to be special but when the superstar returned home emotions took over.

There was a hint of Parisian magic in the air when the warm sun and light breeze made the Irish flags shine even brighter.

Just how amazing the turnout was proved how much pride and joy she has brought to the people of Newport, Tipperary and Ireland.

On Sunday evening the crowds had gathered at the beautiful new Town Park in Newport for Sharlene and if it looked packed, there was more to come once her car came into view.

As the music played an open topped car appeared with hundreds, nay, thousands, following the car. They were wearing Ireland colours, and the colours of Newport Athletic Club.

"Simply the best," appropriately rang out while the MC for the occasion, John Delaney, ensured things ran incredibly smoothly. Ann Fagan of Newport AC spoke, a couple of local politicians had their say too but everyone just wanted to hear from Sharlene.

A fine evening was capped off when 'Dear Old Newport Town,' rang across the air as the sun was setting.

"This is an amazing evening. I am so grateful to everyone," the Olympian said afterwards.

So proud of her Newport roots and so joyful to see the smiling faces, Sharlene thanked Ann Fagan and all at Newport AC who guided her through her journey.

"It was where it all began," said Sharlene as she recalled her whirlwind career that evening. "When I figured out that I was a sprinter I definitely began to love the sport. Newport AC have been with me every step of the way. I think they run every metre of the track with me as well which is lovely.

"After I won my medal at the World Relay I brought it up to the club and it was wonderful and I want to say thanks to everyone."

Fr. Bobby Fletcher was a mentor to the Olympian in her formative years and the coach, now based in New Inn, gave me a background on the club: "Newport Athletic Club started in the 1980s and finished up in the 1996s and we reformed again then in 1998 and I got a committee around and they were brilliant.

"There was a history of the sport here.

"Sharlene joined about 2008 and I knew her from school and when she joined she was an absolute joy to have in the club. She joined for fun and her friends all joined with her. She often said to me in the school yard I'd love to run in the Olympics and I realised one day that she was serious!

"She was so good to train. No matter what you asked her to do she was ambitious and I knew she would run internationally someday," he said as we watched the hundreds of children present get autographs from the newest Irish athletics superstar.

Eoin Fanning, chairman of Tipperary Athletics County Board, spoke of how all the clubs in Tipperary had members up in Newport to share in the joy Sharlene had brought to her people. "It is an absolutely brilliant job that Newport have done in honouring Sharlene," he said.

"She has put the club, the town and the county on the map. Tipperary has a great history of Olympians and she is the latest in a long line performing brilliantly and keeping a proud tradition going.

"Her time has come and she will win individual medals as well as helping Ireland to team medals. The amount of young people inspired by her must be noted too and an evening like this is special," he said.

Everyone there knew what he meant. The legend is real. The superstar had returned home and the joy was shared by all.