Coach Winston well-known at badminton club

The Ulster and Irish badminton fraternity came together earlier this week to bid farewell to one of the legends of the game Winston Wilkinson.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Oct 2014, 15:15 BST
Fundraisers at Bow StreetFundraisers at Bow Street
Fundraisers at Bow Street

The well-known former Irish team manager and coach died suddenly on holiday in Spain.

Winston, who managed a number of local players from Alpha Badminton Club during his time with Ireland, dominated the local game in the sixties, lifting the national mixed doubles crown with Yvonne Kelly on no less than seven occasions during the period 1962-1971 and the mens doubles with James Doyle twice and a remarkable six times with another legend Sammy Blair, not to mention a singles title back in 1962.

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He made his international debut in 1960 with Chic Doyle and was unbeaten when Ireland reached the semi of the Thomas Cup.

He retired from the game in 1974 with some 36 caps but then turned his attention to coaching and was Irish team manager when Ireland reached the final of the Helvetia Cup before handing over the reigns to former goalkeeper and Irish league manager Joe Kinkead.

‘Wilkie’ as he was affectionately known was in charge when Ulster players dominated the Irish team, including Bill Thompson, John Scott, Fraser Evans, Barbara Beckett.

Related topics:UlsterIrelandSpainJames Doyle