In my discussion with Ciaran I learned that he has been called a lot of things in his life; “siren”, “kai-ran”, “Cee-are-an”, are various erroneous pronunciations of his name that cause his mother to cringe, and that he has come across in his days, but he insists that his name is actually pronounced “keer-ahn”. He has been called a good deal of other things by his Super League coach Pat Parfrey, but those need no description, and would likely result in this column (tragically!) being pulled from circulation. These days Ciaran is being called some other things as well: big, strong, fast, skilled, and a natural try scorer on the iRB Sevens circuit.
In my continuing quest to introduce the Canadian rugby public to the carded “academy” players, living and training as full time rugby players in Victoria, I would like to introduce Ciaran Patrick Hearn, Conception Bay South’s utility back prodigy.
2008 marks Ciaran’s second year in the academy, and it is plain to see already that he, and we, are beginning to enjoy the fruits of his labour.
Ciaran’s first day in the carded program, September 2007, was certainly an inglorious beginning. An Air Canada baggage “issue” left Ciaran to run all of his fitness testing in his casual shoes, which were much better suited for Saturday nights on George Street, than the 400m and 2400m test. “I still think I have the blisters to show for that day”, says Hearn, “after we were finished testing I didn’t walk for the rest of the week!” In those early days Ciaran enjoyed another first- while doing the one rep maximum squat test (still in his bar shoes) Ciaran also did his first squat. Ever. Since then, Ciaran’s development has been fast and furious, putting on 20 pounds of lean mass, and quickly becoming a force on field and in the gym.
Ciaran’s rugby experience began in Conception Bay South, six years ago. Turning out for the Baymen rugby club to be coached by Frank Deacy and his strongest positive rugby influence, Bas Crosby, quickly led to appearances for the Newfoundland Rock in 2004. Trained by his all time favorite coach, Pat Parfrey, Hearn’s development took a sharp upswing, and in 2004 he was named to the Canadian junior team to play in the under 19 World Cup in South Africa. His continued success with the Rock precipitated Ciaran’s eventual move to the Canadian under 21 team for a tour to Ireland and fixtures against the US All-American collegiate team, and his leap into Men’s representative rugby with the NA4 East team. With Hearn attacking from fullback, the Rock had successful campaigns, reaching the finals in 2004, but were unable to close out wins against a strong Crimson Tide team.
The next Super League season saw a tremendous development for Hearn - his strong play making him a constant threat, and in scoring a try in the final, led to his finest on field rugby moment- winning the Super League title with the Rock in 2005.
“It was a great experience to win that Super League and to know that the whole province of Newfoundland was behind us - all the boys on the team had been working together for years, and it had finally paid off for us,” remembers Hearn.
A proven success at the Super League level, Ciaran moved up to the NA4 level the next year, and what would begin a history of unglamorous starts, Ciaran endured his worst rugby memory on his debut.
“I had finally made the team for the NA4 East team, and we were involved in a tight game against the US Falcons. We took a slim lead deep into the second half- well, anyways, with no time left, I got burned by their winger one on one- and we lost the game, and a shot at the final,” recalls Hearn, staring at the floor. “That was a tough start!”
Recently, Ciaran was selected to his first senior men’s National team. Ciaran played in the New Zealand and San Diego Seven’s tournaments. Hearn played often and tremendously well, scoring 4 tries over the two weekends.
Off the field, Ciaran initially comes across as a quiet and more reserved guy. This holds true until he gets to know you, at which point you get to realize that the “quiet guy” act, is just that - an act.
With the carded athletes schedule jam packed with training sessions and commitments, our athletes often have little time to dedicate to leisure pursuits. Ciaran lists watching movies, reading, and listening to David Gray albums as his top free time activities. An avid sportsman of all types, Ciaran likes to stay on top of the wide world of sports at all time- and if the TV is not on a sports channel, Ciaran is not watching it.
Ciaran is currently playing his rugby for the Castaway Wanderers, a club he really enjoys being part of and has turned out for, when not conscripted away on National team duties, for the last 2 seasons.
Ciaran Hearn is certainly riding a wave of well-deserved success these days. He has worked immensely hard to transform his game and body over the last few years, and has earned the accolades that are being spoken of him. With his great speed, skills, and 6’3” and 220-pound frame turning heads in Canada, it won’t be long until he is turning heads on the international scene as well.
Ciaran Patrick Hearn: Fact File
Date of birth and present age: 30/12/1985 - 22
Schools attended: Holy Spirit High School, CBS
Home Club: Baymen RFC, Newfoundland Rock
Most difficult opposing player: Stu Ault
Toughest opposing team: Nova Scotia Black Spruce
Favorite playing field: Nugent’s park
Best country visited: Ireland
Other sports played: Hockey, Soccer
Favorite food: any form of meat
Pet peeve: Chewing with mouth open & dirty ears
Person most like to meet: George Bush
By Mike Webb |
