'You've made us all proud, Neil!'

WARM tributes have been paid to local man Neil Booth, after he was awarded the MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.

The 57-year-old has enjoyed a stellar career on the green, both as a player and a coach.

He recently collected the High Performance Coaching Award at the Sport NI Sportmaker ceremony at Titanic Belfast.

That will take pride of place on a sideboard groaning with the weight of awards he has accumulated since his bowling career began in the late 1980s - much of it at Old Bleach in Randalstown.

He is a three-time medallist at the World Championships, including gold in the fours in 2004. Neil also holds no fewer than four Commonwealth Games medals, including gold in Kuala Lumpur, silvers in Melbourne and Glasgow and bronze in Manchester.

As a coach, he helped guide Northern Ireland’s men to the men's fours title at the 2022 Games, with Gary Kelly taking silver in the men’s singles.

It has been a fantastic career by any standard, but he admits the Royal recognition is a ‘bit special’.

“I saw the letter outside the door with ‘Cabinet Office’ on the front and started to think I was going to be extradited, but I was delighted when I opened it up,” he said.

“I can’t imagine what the whole occasion will be like, but I'm really looking forward to it. We’ll make a weekend out of it but I imagine I’ll be pretty nervous.”

With typical modesty, he said he would accept the honour on behalf a sport he has undoubtedly help nurture.

“The coaching role has gone really well and the men’s team is second in the world at the minute, which is exceptional,” he said.

“I’m just delighted as this says a lot about the sport in general. It’s come on leaps and bounds over here, so this is an award for the entire sport, as much as it is for myself.”

South Antrim MLA Trevor Clarke has welcomed the award for services to lawn bowls.

“Congratulations to Neil Booth MBE!” he said.

“I’m delighted to congratulate former Old Bleach Bowling Club member, Neil, on being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours!

“This is a richly deserved recognition of Neil’s outstanding service to the sport of bowls - both on and off the green.

“His dedication, leadership, and tireless promotion of the game have made a lasting impact on our community and beyond.

“Well done, Neil! You’ve made us all proud.”

This was echoed by Irish Bowling Association.

“Delighted to congratulate Neil on being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday honours,” said a spokesperson.

“Thoroughly deserved for a stellar career as a player and currently as the Irish Bowls High Performance coach.”