Lifetime Achievement Award:

At the recent Sport Pembrokeshire Awards, organised for the 18^th time by Alan Jones, Matthew Freeman, Lois Hilling and the rest of the staff at Sport Pembrokeshire in County Hall, The Lifetime Achievement Award was sponsored by Sport Pembrokeshire and this year’s recipient was a towering figure in Pembrokeshire tennis, whose contributions span more than 50 years.

We at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk are proud to feature Brian as the first award winner we will be proud to tell you about over the coming days!

A fierce competitor on the court and a gentleman off it – Brian Hearne has taken on pretty much every role and responsibility there has been associated with tennis.

As a qualified tennis coach since 1966 Brian Hearne has inspired countless players, from schoolchildren to seniors, with his passion and expertise. He was ever present down on the clay courts of the Parade – coaching school teams and ferrying talented youngsters all over the country- with some going on to win national championships.



 

Featured heavily as a player and organiser at County Championships

In 1966, Brian also took over the reins of the Pembrokeshire County Open Tennis Tournament, ensuring its legacy continues into what is now its 75th year. He supervised the annual Junior Welsh Tournament in Cardiff for several years, making sure Pembrokeshire Tennis was well and truly on the map.

Known as a doubles’ specialist, Brian himself claimed 15 men’s and 7 mixed doubles titles in the open - his partnership with David Banner the stuff of legend. He was a member of Haverfordwest’s first team for 45 years, represented South Wales and Wales in veterans age groups, and won a Welsh doubles title. Away from the action, Brian was a powerhouse in the boardroom and a key figure on the Haverfordwest Tennis Club Committee.

 

Helped other sports – and honoured at the Tennis Club

 

Brian’s coaching prowess wasn’t just confined to tennis. He was a founding member of Haverfordwest Swimming Club, coaching for over a decade, and helped form Scarrowscant United Football Club, where he also served as coach.


In recognition of his lifelong commitment, Brian became Haverfordwest Tennis Club’s first life member in 1990. Today, at 85, he serves as club president, actively supporting tournaments and fundraisers. There is even a Brian Hearne bench on Court One, where he had so many successes.


Pembrokeshire tennis, and sport, would have been a much poorer place without him. Please join me in celebrating a true champion in every sense of the word - Brian Hearne.

*The article and photographs kindly provided by Haverfordwest Tennis Club*