It is with regret that we have to inform you of the death of Richmond McKay who passed away on 10th September 2017. The house is private. There will be a family committal on Thursday, 14th September, followed by a service of thanksgiving in Second Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church at 2pm. Richmond, as noted below, was a cornerstone of Irish Bowls over the years and will be missed by his many friends and colleagues in Irish Bowls.

Richmond McKay

Richmond joined Larne BC in 1959 and his bowling ability earned him selection for the Private Greens senior inter-association team for the first time in 1964, although it was in the indoor stadium form of the game where he enjoyed more conspicuous success as a member of the international team between 1975 and 1978. He acted as president Larne BC in both 1963 and 1965, subsequently being nominated as NIPGBL president in 1966. A capable and effective administrator he served as honorary treasurer of the IBA between 1969 and 1985. He was appointed President of the British Isles bowls Council in 1976 and enjoyed two periods in office as BIBC honorary secretary, firstly from 1981 to 1985 and then between 1988 and 1992.

Although he had previously been president of the Irish Bowling Association in 1980, he was re-elected as its president in 2004, the year in which the association celebrated its centenary. Richmond’s appointment for that special occasion was universally welcomed and approved as he epitomises the values that the IBA has sought to promote over the course of its history – an enthusiasm for the sport, a willingness to make a full contribution to the life of his club, a preparedness to accept office and to carry out duties with integrity and distinction. In short, Richmond has been an ambassador for Irish bowls over many years.