Vincent Hearns, PRO Ballina Boxing Club

In 2011, the centenary of the Irish Athletic Boxing Association, every boxing club in the country was asked to mark the occasion in some unique way. Clubs could avail of a special small grant specifically for upgrading changing rooms, and Ballina Boxing Club took the bold step to enter a lease agreement to have a modern facility of their own made available to the club. The Hearns family was approached and they agreed to have their late father's name incorporated into the name of this new gymnasium. The facility was opened by the family in 2012 and the boxing certificates awarded to the late Dick Hearns during his career as a boxer were presented to the club. A life-size photo of Dick Hearns on the landing at the club entrance greets all who enter the premises. It is a reminder of what a Ballina native can achieve and will show the path to a healthy, happy, fruitful life to all touched by this great yet very humble gentleman who listened to the huge variety of voices from the powerful, ever-rolling River Moy each time he opened his window or door all those years ago.

In 2015, Vince Hearns was elected PRO of Ballina Boxing Club. He is well suited to the role as his knowledge of the intricacies of working with people, be they groups or individuals, and his experience with building business plans and dealing with grant applications are second to none.

We hope that Vince Hearns will continue in this role with Ballina Boxing Club for many years to come.