We were deeply saddened by the news on Saturday morning of the passing of Micheal Johnston, a few days away from his 90th birthday.

A remarkable figure whose life was dedicated to journalism, education, public service and sport.

Micheal was a proud Oxbridge alumnus and Captain of Christ’s College Boat Club, Cambridge. He raced for Christ’s, and beat DUBC at Henley in 1958, before Trinity returned to win the Senior Pot. The history of the Senior 8s Championship of Ireland is detailed with great accuracy, as befits the archivist he also was, in his much beloved “The Big Pot”, some of which, as he would say himself, are still for sale!

His academic career at Cambridge contained one small blip when he realised during an exam that he knew nothing of the subject. His daughter, Becky continues the tale: “Typical of the man, he wasted no time, and spent the exam writing a letter to Pat.”

But, the later successful achievement of his undergraduate degree would be matched by his lifelong commitment to creating a fairer, more inclusive society, none more so than in the sport he loved so much.

He served both as Secretary and President of the Irish Amateur Rowing Union (now Rowing Ireland). Having qualified as a FISA international umpire, he was selected to officiate at both the Munich Olympics (1972) and Barcelona Olympics in Banyoles, twenty years later in 1992.

He was the founder of The Dublin Sculling Ladder in 1965, and the 60th time trial, due to take place next Saturday 11th October, will now take on a more poignant atmosphere, but also one of celebration of this wonderful man

He ran a monthly draw for many years to fund international rowing, too, 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.

He was a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta, and could be seen umpiring annually in the suitably Irish connected launch, “Ulysses”. Indeed, on his last appearance at the Regatta, he was the guest of friend and umpire, Richard Stanhope, to follow Skibbereen’s race from the launch. West Cork was very much in his blood, and he holidayed there very often in summer.

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. 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.

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.

He will be remembered as a pioneer, a principled voice, and a kind soul.

We send our condolences and deepest sympathies to his family, and remember his wife, Pat , his children Brigid, Becky, Anna, Josh and the late Luke (KHBC & DUBC), and his many beloved grandchildren.

May he rest in peace.

Rowing Ireland is deeply grateful to John Aiken for his help and collaboration in preparing this tribute to Micheal.