Margaret Johnston MBE
In the world of bowling, both indoor and outdoor, Margaret Johnston has a record that is the envy of many. In a competitive career lasting 28 years, Margaret has won over 100 caps and was awarded the MBE in 1991 for services to sport.
Margaret came originally from Upperlands but, in Bellaghy, we are more than happy to claim her as one of our own. She has always been interested in sport, particularly netball and hockey but after moving to Bellaghy she took up the short mat game of bowls which for her offered both a competitive element and an opportunity to mix socially.
Margaret’s first competition was in 1979 which she lost in the final. This was put down to lack of experience but Margaret didn’t give up and in 1981 she was given a trial for the Irish team and participated in her first international competition in Edinburgh. Margaret has competed across the world in singles, pairs, triples and fours competitions. She is a great ambassador for her sport and for Bellaghy.
In her magnificent sporting career, Margaret has notched up the following titles:
- 5 World Champion titles
- 3 World Outdoor and 2 World Indoor Singles
- Commonwealth Singles Gold
- Pairs Gold Medal
- Singles Bronze Medal
- World Champion of Champions Singles
Although retired from competitive bowls, Margaret still enjoys playing the game and the opportunity it provides to ‘meet other people and cross boundaries’