Former Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council chairman Billy Stewart has died at the age of 83 ©NICGC

Former Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council (NICGC) chairman Billy Stewart has died at the age of 83, it has been announced. 

Stewart was chairman of NICGC for 30 years between 1977 and 2007.

A former cyclist, he was the Northern Ireland champion in the 440 and 1,000 yards in 1953.

Shortly after that success he retired from the sport and concentrated on administration and coaching at Maryland Wheelers.

Stewart, a structural engineer by profession, later managed a number Irish teams in international events.

He also served in several other roles with the Northern Ireland Cycling Federation and was elected chairman in 1967, a role he held for eight years. 

Billy Stewart, second left, was Northern Ireland's Chef de Mission at the 2002 Commonwealth Games ©NICGC
Billy Stewart, second left, was Northern Ireland's Chef de Mission at the 2002 Commonwealth Games ©NICGC

As well as being chairman of the NICGC, he also served as Northern Ireland's Chef de Mission at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, where the team won five medals, including two gold.  

Stewart was recognised for his voluntary contribution to sport in the 2007 New Year’s Honours being made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

In 2008 he received A Lifetime Achievement Award from the Commonwealth Games Federation in recognition of his contribution. 

He is survived by his wife June.