Supreme Directors
Bro. Michael Akinrele
Supreme Knight
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Bro. Michael is our current Supreme Knight. He brings to the job many years of experience having served on various positions on the board. His most recent being as the Supreme Director for youth.
Bro. Harry Welsh KSG
Immediate Past Supreme Knight
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My name is Harry Welsh I joined the KSC In October 1979 joining Blantyre council. I was initiated in St Columba church in Uddingston Scotland. I transferred to my dad’s council 100 in Airdrie where I served as Warden and youth officer eventually moving to Coatbridge 520 with my dad. After a few years I migrated to North Wales Rhyl 299 where I served as action deputy Grand Knight and grand Knight. I served province 37 as action and DPGK and PGK. I have served on the Board of Directors under 5 Supreme Knights eventually having the great honour of becoming Supreme Knight in 2021. I have had so many highlights in my time in the KSC i would need a book to tell you about them. The Knights have been an integral part of my family life and spiritual side of me since I was born as my father joined them in 1955. One memory will last a lifetime was dad dancing with a two year old in London whilst presenting a council with their charter.
Bishop Tom Neylon
Ecclesiastical Advisor
Bro. Stephen Ferris
Development & Deputy SK
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I joined the Knights in Council 223 Walsall back in 2010 in response to a pulpit appeal. Within a few weeks, as a probationary Knight, I was on duty with dozens of other Knights at Cofton Park to support the visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict for John Henry Newman’s beatification. I was fortunate to be voted on to The Board of Directors in 2015. I have served in various roles as Secretary, Director for Action and am currently the Director for Membership & Development. In February 2026 I was appointed Deputy Supreme Knight.
Joining the Knights of St Columba has given me a new sense of purpose at a time that my Children had grown up. Extra benefits have included a new circle of friends, a more active social life and its helped me become a more active Catholic.
Bro. Roy Hyde-Linaker
Mission
Bro. Barry Johnston
Spirituality & Welfare
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I am Michael Barry Johnston but known to all as Barry. I was raised and educated in the Catholic tradition in Carlisle. After serving my apprenticeship as an electrician, I had the great fortune of marrying my beloved Mary. Though my early career was marked by the uncertainty of a company closure, I eventually found stability at Nestle, where I worked until retirement.
My journey with the Knights of St Columba began in 1979. Over the decades, I have been privileged to serve in many roles, from Council and Provincial offices to being one of the Order’s first Regional Directors.
However, the true value of our Brotherhood became clearest during my darkest hours. When I lost my son, Michael, ten years ago, and my dear Mary in 2023, the support of my Brother Knights was my anchor. It was this profound kindness that inspired me to become Supreme Director for Spirituality and Welfare; I wanted to return the compassion I had so freely received.
Today, I continue in this office with joy and gratitude. Like a cat with nine lives, I have survived a brain bleed and two bouts of cancer. As long as the Lord grants me my health, I am honoured to continue serving this Order and my Brothers.
Bro. Paul Lovell
Communications
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Born in the great Border City of Carlisle, I was elected on to the 2024 Board of Directors as Director without portfolio.
My day job is very varied as a Chartered Surveyor to the schools of the Lancaster Diocese. I also run my own private practice.
Currently I am now Director for Communications with a great team helping to promote the KSC.
Bro. Ben Agwunobi
Director without Portfolio
Bro. Martin Gardner
Director without Portfolio
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I joined the Knights over 35 years ago, being a Brother throughout this time of Aberdeen Council 88, the most Northerly Council in the Order.. As you would expect over such a period I have had the great honour of holding almost every office at both Council and Provincial levels including those of Grand Knight and Provincial Grand Knight.
It was with great surprise that having been voted as “first alternative” at the last Supreme Council I was informed early in the new year that I was to become a Director without Portfolio. This, to me, was the greatest honour I have ever received since becoming a Knight and I thank God daily for this opportunity to serve each Brother to the best of my ability. Being retired I am able to commit more to ensuring this great Order not only survives in the modern world but grows in faith, hope and charity.