Irish boxer pays tribute to cousin who died weeks after brutal roadside attack

Scarlett Faulkner, 29, sadly passed away in hospital on Monday, surrounded by her loving family

An individual with blonde hair and striking blue eyes, adorned with makeup, is captured in a close-up shot, showcasing a pink top and a wooden background.

Irish boxing star Paddy Donovan has paid a heartfelt tribute to Scarlett Faulkner following the tragic death of his cousin.

Devastating tributes have continued to flood in for the 29 year old mother-of-one, who tragically died in hospital on Monday after spending weeks battling for her life following a brutal roadside attack.

Scarlett passed away with her devoted family by her side. She had been receiving life support treatment at Cork University Hospital for three weeks after sustaining catastrophic injuries during a roadside incident on the R494 near Birdhill on 21 March.

In a social media tribute, prominent Irish boxer Donovan expressed: "Rest is paradise my cousin. God will deal with the people that has been evil to you. Let justice be served. You will be missed. God be with my aunt and uncle and your family."

Belfast boxer Lewis Crocker claimed the vacant IBF welterweight title with a split decision win against Donovan at Windsor Park last year.

Paddy Donovan and Lewis Crocker (Image: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Two individuals - a woman and a 16 year old girl - have been charged in relation to the assault on Donovan's cousin Faulkner. Neither can be named. The teenager faces charges of assault causing serious harm to Scarlett. The woman is facing four charges, including violent disorder, reckless endangerment, and two counts of burglary during what the court previously heard was 24 hours of serious violent offences, reports the Irish Mirror.

An Garda Síochána confirmed Scarlett's death on Monday in an official statement.

It stated: "Gardaí continue to investigate a serious assault which occurred on the R494 at Birdhill, Co. Tipperary on Saturday 21 March, 2026 shortly before 5.30pm.

"The woman, aged in her 20s, who was injured in the incident, was pronounced deceased earlier today, Monday, 13 April in Cork University Hospital. The Coroner has been notified. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

"A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the family of the deceased. As two persons are currently charged before the courts, An Garda Síochána is not making any further comment. Investigations are ongoing."

Heartfelt tributes have been flooding in for the Limerick woman, with her sister-in-law Josephine Duffy paying an emotional tribute: "The One The Only Scarlet Faulkner Passed So Peacefully With Her Loving Family Around Her," she wrote. "Wat A Worrier. RIP My Beautiful Sister In Law. Thank u All So Much For Yer Prayers And Support."

Her grief-stricken brother wrote: "Rip my lovely sister Scarlett". Another relative added: "RIP Scarlett cuzin you will be missed".

Scarlett's cousin Melissa McCarthy also paid her respects, writing: "Goodbye our girl fly high your with the angels now oh god mind aunty Mary and banny all your brothers and sisters especially ur little girl nieces nephews inlaws fly high you fought till the last."