George Best (bowls)

Best was first capped by Ireland at international level in 1946.^[1] He was a 21st president of the Willowfield Bowling Club of Belfast and was given the honour of re-opening the club's green at Gibson Park in April 1949.^[2]

It was also in 1949 that Best won the pairs championship of Ireland with Syd Thompson at the Irish National Bowls Championships^[3] and the duo won a second pairs title in 1957.^[4]

Best represented the 1958 Northern Irish team^[5] at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales^[6] in the fours event, with Gerry Crossey, Tom Henry and Jack Webb,^[7] where the team finished in eighth place.^[8]

Best and Thompson teamed up with William Greer and Fred Greer to win consecutive fours titles in 1960^[9] and 1961.^[10] Also in 1961, Best was named captain of the Irish team for the 1961 internationals.^[1]

In 1962 he retired as honorary secretary of the Willowfield Club after nine years in the role.^[11] He was also the president of Linfield F.C. and died in 1994.^[12]