Sport
Talent, skill and dedication rewarded at Sport Pembrokeshire Awards

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 29th.
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

News
Triathlon returns to Fishguard – road closures announced

FISHGUARD will once again play host to the Wales Triathlon this summer, with hundreds of competitors set to descend on the town for the popular sporting event on Sunday, June 15.
Organised by Activity Wales Events, the triathlon includes a two-lap sea swim in Fishguard Bay, followed by a two-lap cycle from Fishguard to St Davids and a four-lap run along the Marine Walk and out onto the breakwater.
In order to facilitate the bike leg on closed roads, several road closures will be in place throughout the day.

Major road closures
The A487 between Goodwick and Mathry will be closed between 9:45am and 3:00pm.
Between Mathry and Croesgoch, the A487 will be closed from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and from Croesgoch to St Davids the closure will run from 10:00am until 2:45pm.
Crossing points will be in operation at Mathry crossroads, Croesgoch crossroads, and the Llangoffan to Granston junction. Diversions will be signposted, with local traffic routed via minor B roads and through Haverfordwest for longer journeys.
Town centre impact
In Fishguard, West Street will be closed between 12:00pm and 6:00pm for the running stage. Residents will still be able to exit side roads, with diversions clearly marked.
Goodwick residents will be able to exit the town via the Tesco roundabout, which will remain open all day.
Care access and course passes
Care workers will be allowed access to visit clients within the closed sections, but must obtain a course pass via their organisation in advance.
On the day, carers using the route must:
- Follow the direction of the race
- Display their pass clearly
- Keep hazard lights on at all times
- Exit the route as soon as safely possible
Further information
The event attracted over 1,000 athletes last year, and organisers anticipate another strong turnout.
More information can be found at: www.walestriathlon.com/athletes/event-info
Road closure details are available at: community.walestriathlon.com
For course pass enquiries, contact: info@activitywalesevents.com
News
South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – Final Table 2024/25

All matches complete as season concludes
THE 2024/25 season of the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – known as The Friendly League – has now officially concluded, with all clubs completing their outstanding fixtures.
The past few weeks saw the following catch-up matches played:
- Carew 8–2 Llanteg
- St Johns 8–2 Cosheston
- Hundleton 8–2 Reynalton
- Reynalton 9–1 Lamphey
- Cosheston 10–0 Kilgetty
- East Williamston 9–1 Kilgetty
Final League Table (2024/25 Season)
Position | Club | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | S/D | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | East Williamston | 20 | 18 | 0 | 2 | 313 | 158 |
2 | St Johns | 20 | 14 | 0 | 6 | 111 | 122 |
=3 | Carew | 20 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 105 | 111 |
=3 | Cosheston | 20 | 12 | 0 | 8 | 77 | 111 |
5 | Reynalton | 20 | 11 | 0 | 9 | 28 | 104 |
6 | Hundleton | 20 | 9 | 0 | 11 | 74 | 97 |
7 | Llanteg | 20 | 7 | 1 | 12 | -71 | 92 |
8 | St Twynnells | 20 | 8 | 1 | 11 | -97 | 89 |
9 | Badgers | 20 | 6 | 1 | 13 | -22 | 82 |
=10 | Lamphey | 20 | 6 | 0 | 14 | -179 | 67 |
=10 | Kilgetty | 20 | 6 | 0 | 14 | -262 | 67 |
Congratulations to East Williamston, who finish the season as clear champions with an impressive 158 points and a shot difference of +313.
News
Plans submitted to redevelop home of one of Wales’ oldest football clubs

FORMAL plans to redevelop the grounds of one of the oldest football clubs in Wales – which includes a new 310-seater stand – have been submitted to the council.
Aberystwyth Town Football Club has submitted an application for the redevelopment of its grounds at Park Avenue Stadium, Aberystwyth.
A supporting statement from agent JMS Planning and Development says the proposal seeks “full planning permission for the demolition of the existing main stand and the creation of a new clubhouse, turnstile, changing rooms, business unit and improvements to the existing seated and standing terraces which will include new roof canopies and all associated works”.
The formal application follows an earlier public consultation.
It adds: “Aberystwyth Town Football Club is proudly one of the oldest football clubs in Wales, whereby the club was founded some 140 years ago in 1884. The club is one of the founding members of what is now known as the ‘Cymru Premier’, of which it is only one of two teams to have never been relegated since its inception in 1992.
“The men’s senior team is loyally supported by local community and has seen an increase in attendance over the past couple of years, reaching nearly 6,000 spectators over the year for the men’s team alone. A number of Cymru Premier matches are broadcast live from the ground each season on S4C and streamed online to a worldwide audience. The Football Association of Wales recently confirmed a new structure and strategy to the league with the aim of boosting its commercial profile, competitiveness, and fan interest both nationally and internationally.
“As a Premier European Division, clubs are provided the opportunity to qualify for UEFA competitions and compete across the Continent, whereby it is imperative that facilities and infrastructure across the country are developed to meet UEFA Licensing requirements. Should Aberystwyth Town qualify – or host other clubs’ European matches as has occurred in recent years – the redevelopment of the facilities at Park Avenue will enable Ceredigion to continue to host continental sporting events.”
It says Aberystwyth Town Football Club “is often called ‘home’ by a number of other teams in the region which rely on the club’s facilities and all-weather pitch for the provision of training sessions and matches”.
The scheme itself is the first phase of development, the second relating to residential development.
Of phase 1, it says: “The proposal seeks the construction of a new clubhouse and community facility, a 310-seater stand, replacement turnstile, ticketing office, roofs over existing seated and standing terraces, new primary and secondary changing room facilities, dedicated business/employment unit, with improvements to accessibility throughout the site, including the re-construction of a dedicated disabled viewing platform.”
It adds: “The scheme proposes vast improvements to the accessibility of the site by providing step-free access throughout the whole site, thus promoting an inclusive environment. Similarly, the scheme introduces improvements to a dedicated viewing platform for less-able bodied.”
It goes on to say: “The existing main stand and changing rooms are in a state of deterioration and require significant investment if required to serve the club for years in the future. Hence, modern and fit-for-purpose facilities are proposed to revitalise the site which will enhance the provision of the community facility, encourage the uptake of sports, and in-turn promote the health and well-being of a wide range of social groups in the local and regional area.
“The development also promotes equality and inclusivity for both male and female players and officials, who will benefit from segregated and modern changing facilities, in accordance with the requirements of the Football Association of Wales.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
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