Inside Tipperary star Michael Breen's relationship with Sharlene Mawdsley
Since making his debut over a decade ago, he has established himself as a key player and dependable presence on the team, collecting multiple All-Ireland and provincial medals along the way.
In this feature, we explore his life both on and off the pitch, from his demanding career and club commitments to his recently revealed relationship.
Michael Breen enjoyed a standout underage career with Tipperary before breaking into the senior ranks. He captured Munster and All-Ireland Minor Championship medals in 2012, marking an early sign of his potential.
He progressed to the U21 team the following year and was drafted into the senior panel in 2014, making his debut in a National Hurling League clash against Clare. His first championship appearance came in 2015 during a Munster semi-final against Limerick.
A versatile and reliable performer, the Ballina native has lined out in a variety of positions throughout his career — including full back, corner back, midfield, and centre forward — cementing his status as a key figure for the Premier County.
Breen has twice lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup, helping Tipperary to All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship glory in 2016 and 2019. He also claimed Munster titles in 2015 and 2016.
Recognised for his individual excellence, he received All-Star nominations at midfield in both 2016 and 2020.
Breen is in relationship with Olympic sprinter Sharlene Mawdsley.
The news of their budding romance was confirmed following Tipperary's 1-30 to 1-21 victory over Waterford in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship.
Sharing a lovely picture of them together in Semple Stadium in Thurles, Sharlene wrote: "Tippin' on."
Michael also commented on their first public picture together, which he wasn't tagged in, and poked fun at his girlfriend, writing: "Any tag nah?" The GAA star also shared the post to his Instagram story and joked: "This fan was following me around all day."
Mawdsley attended her first ever match in Croke Park in July when she watched Breen competing for the Premier County in all All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny.
She revealed in a Q&A on her Instagram story: "Looking forward to it!! I've never been to a hurling match in Croke Park."
Michael was born on July 16, 1994, making him 30 years of age.
He is from the town of Ballina on the Clare border. He plays his club hurling with the local GAA club.
He measure 6 ft 2 in height.
Michael works as a secondary school teacher, teaching business and geography at CBS High School in Clonmel.
He graduated with Liberal Arts and Science/Liberal Studies degree from University College Cork in 2016, followed by Master's degree in Food Business from the same university three years later.
He also completed a Diploma of Education from Dublin City University in 2021.
2 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship - 2016 and 2019
2 Munster Senior Hurling Championship - 2015 and 2016
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