John Horn, arguably Ireland's first known professional coach, has died at the age of 69. He enjoyed a huge influence on generations of Irish tennis players from the late 1950's to the mid 70's.

Born in London on November 6th, 1931, Horn was an outstanding prospect as a junior player, a fact illustrated by his back-to-back successes at Junior Wimbledon in 1948 and 1949.

Despite winning a plethora of titles at local level, he never quite fulfilled that potential and in the mid 1950's he came to Ireland, foregoing a playing career for that of coaching.

He was widely sought after by both clubs and individuals and coached at two of the top tennis schools of that era, Gormanston and Our Lady's, Rathnew. He coached most of the top of Irish players before the American College scholarships lured a generation.

He was a very personable and easy going character, noted for his constant good humour. He did not completely turn his back on playing: indeed he represented Ireland at veterans' level and was a formidable doubles player.

A younger generation would have recalled his sharp and incisive anaylsis as part of RTE television's Wimbledon commentary. His quiet voice a reminder of byegone summers. - JOS.