THE TALENT, skill and dedication of Pembrokeshire’s fantastic sporting community was celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony last week.

The Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2024 were held at Folly Farm on Friday November 29^th.

For the first time in 17 years, a new compere took charge after renowned sports journalist Bill Carne decided to hang up the microphone in 2023.

Ceri Coleman-Phillips of BBC Wales Sport took up the presenting responsibilities with aplomb as the winners were revealed.

The judges commented on how difficult their job had been to whittle the high-quality nominations down after 252 entries poured in from across Pembrokeshire.

The winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award was Brian Hearne, whose contributions to tennis in Pembrokeshire spans more than 50 years.

Described as a fierce competitor on the court and a gentleman off it, qualified coach Brian has inspired countless players over the years

Brian took over the reins of the Pembrokeshire County Open Tennis Tournament in 1966, ensuring its legacy continues now into its 75th year.

A member of Haverfordwest’s first team for 45 years, Brian represented South Wales and Wales in veterans age groups, and won a Welsh doubles title.

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.

The winner of the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award, presented by Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Steve Alderman, was Paralympic gold medallist Matt Bush.

Cllr Alderman described Matt as “a phenomenal athlete whose journey epitomises resilience, dedication, and triumph.”

Cllr Alderman added: “Matt’s victory in the taekwondo K44 +80kg category at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is a landmark moment for Pembrokeshire sport.

“In the 18 year history of the Sport Pembrokeshire Awards, we have never before celebrated a gold medal Paralympian but we do so now with immense pride.”

Following his victory in the gold medal contest, Matt received the prestigious honour of being a Great Britain flagbearer for the closing Paralympic ceremony.

With Matt’s win in mind, the evening took a look back at the Pembrokeshire men and women who had competed in the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, or were part of the support teams, and how their efforts on the biggest sporting stage will inspire the next generation of local athletes.

It would have been remiss not to mention Jodie Grinham, originally from Haverfordwest, who made history by becoming the first pregnant athlete to win a Paralympic gold medal in archery and became one of the faces of the Paralympic Games.

This year’s school award went to Cleddau Reach VC Primary School.

The school award is considered one of the most significant because nurturing a love of sport at a young age is vitally important to ongoing health and well-being.

Cleddau Reach VC, under Headteacher Rhys Buckley, was described as a school at the heart of its community in Llangwm and offering pupils and staff numerous opportunities to try all manner of sports and activities.

The sporting ethos of the school is simple but underpins everything they do.

That ethos is: If there’s an event taking place, the school attends.

With a focus on ensuring sport is for everyone, pupils are encouraged to be role models to younger peers and create that lifelong enjoyment of sport.

Mr Buckley was joined by Ricky Pearson and Caty Brock to receive the award along with some of the pupils.

Ceri brought a wonderful evening to a close with a reminder of the dedication involved from everyone to ensure sports continues to thrive in Pembrokeshire.

She said: “We celebrate not just the winners but every nominee, coach and supporter who makes sport in Pembrokeshire so extraordinary.”

Winners and finalists:

Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement

Chloe John-Driscoll (Shooting) – winner

Cerys Griffiths (Swimming) – finalist

Ffion Bowen (Football) – finalist

Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement

Carter Heywood (Football) – winner

Hugo Boyce (Cycling) – finalist

Ned Rees-Wigmore (Hockey) – finalist

Club of the Year

Haverfordwest Gymnastics Club – winner

Strength Academy Wales Cymru – finalist

Camrose AFC Women & Girls Football – finalist

Junior (U16) Disability Sport Award

Jac Johnson (Gymnastics) – winner

Finnley Walters (Boxing) – finalist

Lewis Crawford (Boccia) – finalist

Disability Sport Award

Jules King (Crossfit) – winner

Evelyn Thomas (Powerlifting) – finalist

Marc Evans (Cricket) – finalist

Young Volunteer of the Year

Anna May (Tennis & Surfing) – winner

Caitlin Chapman (Netball) – finalist

George Richards (Cricket) – finalist

Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year

Neyland Yacht Club Junior Sailing Team – winner

Chaos Thunder U12’s Netball Team – finalist

Hakin United AFC u16’s – finalist

Unsung Hero

John Laugharne (Rugby) – winner

Owen Shanklin (Pool) – finalist

Sue Christopher (Surf Lifesaving) – finalist

Team Achievement of the Year

Fishguard & Goodwick Ladies Hockey Club – winner

Alan Evans, Andrew Evans & Michael John (Short Mat Bowls) – finalist

Pembrokeshire County Bowls Team- finalist

Male Sporting Achievement

Sam Coleman (Powerboat Racing) – winner

Jeremy Cross (Tennis) – finalist

Rhys Llewellyn (Athletics) – finalist

Female Sporting Achievement

Helen Carrington (Powerlifting) – winner

Gracie Griffiths (Race Walking) – finalist

Seren Thorne (Shooting) – finalist

Club Organiser

Nadine Tyrrell (Gymnastics) – winner

Paul Hudson (Short Mat Bowls) – finalist

Nick Shelmerdine (Cricket) – finalist

Coach of the Year

Tom Richards (Tennis) – winner

Francesca Morgan (Swimming) – finalist

Philippa Gale (Netball) – finalist

School Award

Cleddau Reach VC Primary School – winner

Lifetime Achievement Award

Brian Hearne – winner

Chairman’s Special Achievement Award

Matt Bush – winner