Jack Raftery, Sophie Becker, Conor Kelly and Sharlene Mawdsley were sixth in their race

The last time Irish athletes were in Japan, the Olympics in 2021 were the focus, with stadiums far from full due to the pandemic.

Ms Mawdsley (26) posted on social media that she was “devastated” at the loss of her father.

The European relay medalist emerged victorious in the Women’s 400-metres at the Galà dei Castelli in Switzerland, with a time of 51.35 seconds.

Sharlene Mawdsley's strong finish meant there was next to nothing at the finish line between the top three finishers.