Tributes have been paid to the late journalist, writer, coach and international rowing umpire Micheal Johnston, who has died just short of his 90th birthday.
The former president of the Irish Amateur Rowing Union has been described by Rowing Ireland as “a remarkable figure whose life was dedicated to journalism, education, public service and sport.
A senior RTÉ producer and one of the founders of the Dalkey School Project – which led to the Educate Together movement – Micheal was an international rowing umpire at two Olympic Games and a steward at the Royal Henley Regatta. He and his wife were daily sea swimmers at Dublin's Sandycove.
As he recounted in an interview with the Irish Rowing Archives ten years ago, he began his rowing career in Christ College Boat Club, Cambridge in 1954, and was captain of the boat club in his last year in college.
He rowed in the Ladies’ Plate in Henley, beating Dublin University Boat Club (DUBC) in a “tremendous race” but being knocked out in the next round.
“After a few years working for the BBC in London, and rowing for London Rowing Club, he returned to Dublin to commence work with the fledgling RTÉ. Over the years he was a successful coach with Garda, DUBC, Dublin University Ladies Boat Club (DULBC), University College Dublin boat club and Neptune/Royal College of Surgeons,” it says.
In the late 1960s, he joined the Irish Amateur Rowing Union (IARU) executive, and was secretary from 1973-76 and president from 1979-1980.
“During this time, he was part of a group that modernised the administration of rowing in Ireland. Some of the innovations were introducing a licensing system for umpires, and the creation of the international fund draw, ”it says.
“Together with Bill Masser he also founded the Dublin Sculling Ladder,” the Irish Rowing Archives say.
“Micheal somehow also found time to act as rowing correspondent for RTÉ and wrote rowing articles for the Evening Press. He was the de facto Rowing Ireland historian for as long as anyone can recall and in 1992 published The Big Pot, the history of the Senior Eight Championship,” it says.
In an extensive tribute by Deirdre Lysaght with John Aiken, Rowing Ireland notes that the 60th sculling ladder time trial, due to take place next Saturday, October 11th, “will now take on a more poignant atmosphere, but also one of celebration of this wonderful man”.
He became a national and international rowing umpire over a 30-year period, umpiring at the 1972 Munich and 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. In 1990 he also accepted an invitation to become a steward of Henley Royal Regatta.
He ran a monthly draw for many years to fund international rowing, and “was to be seen at rowing events all over Ireland and abroad, chasing up some unsuspecting supporter to draw from his bag of numbered balls”.
“He was the long-time president of DULBC (his granddaughter, Megan, a past captain) and a fierce advocate for women’s rowing from junior through senior to international level. He was delighted to hear of Fiona Murtagh’s world championship success at the end of last month,” Rowing Ireland says.
“As one of the founders of ‘Educate Together’, he championed equality-based education in Ireland, shaping generations with a vision rooted in respect and diversity,” it says.
“Trinity College, Dublin awarded him an honorary PhD for his work in this area, something that delighted him, although it did result in him missing Henley for the conferring of the degree. His journalistic integrity also shone through during his time with RTÉ, where his insightful reporting earned widespread respect from readers and peers alike,” it says.
“Son of the distinguished playwright Denis Johnston, and actress Shelah Richards, and brother of the renowned author and playwright, Jennifer Johnston, Micheal inherited a legacy of intellect and public engagement, which he carried forward with distinction and humility,” it says.
“He will be remembered as a pioneer, a principled voice, and a kind soul,” it says.
Micheal Johnston is survived by his wife, Pat, his children Brigid, Becky, Anna, Josh and the late Luke (KHBC & DUBC), and his many beloved grandchildren.
As he requested that his body be donated to medical science, details on funeral arrangements/a memorial service will follow later, according to his family.
