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Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Northern Ireland's oldest man (106) receives honour from King Charles and shares secret to long life
70 people from the north of Ireland have been recognised, including community champions and those involved in sport, arts, health, economy and policing. They join names such as David Beckham and The Who singer Roger Daltrey, who are knighted, and Strictly Come Dancing stars Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who are made MBEs. One of the most notable local recipients is Coleraine pensioner Norman Irwin, who at 106 is Northern Ireland's oldest man. The Derry man has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community in his local town. Mr Irwin, who was born in 1918 and has lived in Coleraine all his life apart from six-and-a-half years during the Second World War, said he was honoured by the gong. He added that it had come as a big surprise, joking he was 'getting on a bit'. Born a few days after the end of the First World War, Mr Irwin joined the Coleraine Battery of the Royal Artillery in 1939 and served in North Africa before becoming one of the founding members of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in 1942, rising to the rank of sergeant. He became known for his initiative in the field — when tools were unavailable he made his own and 'got on with the job without fuss'. After the war he helped found several community organisations including the Coleraine Winemakers Club and the Coleraine Probus Club, a cross-community group for retirees. He also helped start the Agivey Anglers Association. Asked for his secret to a long life, the great-grandfather of four replied: 'A glass of Bushmills every day'. His family explained that he found out about the award via a letter from the Cabinet Office. They described him as a 'brilliant role model' with 'a quick wit and great sense of humour'. The honour also marks a special connection, as King Charles is the fifth monarch in Mr Irwin's lifetime. Road racing legend Michael Dunlop is also to receive an honour in the form of an MBE. Part of the famous Dunlop motorcycling dynasty, Michael has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the sport. With a record-breaking 33 victories at the Isle of Man TT, he is the most successful rider in the event's history. Since beginning his professional career in 2006 he has consistently pushed the boundaries of speed and endurance, famously becoming the first to lap the TT's Mountain Course in under 17 minutes. With over 120 national road race wins, he was named Motorcycle News Rider of the Year in 2023 and crowned King of the Roads at the 2024 Irish Motorbike Awards. Astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (81) from Lurgan, Co Armagh, who as a doctoral student discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967, is to be made a Companion of Honour. Other local names on the list include Elizabeth Norah McGrath (61) from Co Down, who will receive a BEM for services to suicide prevention. Described as a 'professional and committed healthcare worker', Ms McGrath has long held a passion for improving mental health services. She spearheaded the launch of the Suicide Prevention Care Pathway to quickly respond to patients at risk, co-produced with service users and volunteers with lived experience. Also honoured is Christine Smith KC from Co Down, chairwoman of the Urology Services Inquiry, who is being made a CBE. Ms Smith said she was 'deeply honoured'. 'I feel privileged to be the recipient as the first woman to chair a public inquiry in Northern Ireland. 'I see it as a recognition of the incredible mentors and champions I have had throughout my career, and I am most grateful for their support. 'I also see it as a reflection of the collective effort of my team on the Urology Services Inquiry and those I have been lucky to work with on previous inquiries, including the Independent Neurology Inquiry, the Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry, and in particular the inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse.' Singer and choir leader Maria Stephenson Lacey (68) from Belfast will be awarded an MBE for her services to the arts. The founder of the multicultural Belfast Community Gospel Choir in 2009, she has grown the group into a 100-strong ensemble that performs here and internationally, sharing a message of joy and inclusion. Meanwhile, Richard Taylor, governor of Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison, is being made an OBE for public service. Mr Taylor credited the whole team of staff for being part of a 10-year process of turning the south Belfast facility around, following a critical inspection report in 2013, to being described as a 'model of excellence'. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared his congratulations with everyone on the list. In a statement he said: 'This year's Birthday Honours List is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and service that exists in every corner of our country.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘A glass of Bushmills a day' – 106-year-old Derry man receives honour from Britain's King Charles and shares secret to long life
70 people from the north of Ireland have been recognised, including community champions and those involved in sport, arts, health, economy and policing. They join names such as David Beckham and The Who singer Roger Daltrey, who are knighted, and Strictly Come Dancing stars Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who are made MBEs. One of the most notable local recipients is Coleraine pensioner Norman Irwin, who at 106 is Northern Ireland's oldest man. The Derry man has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community in his local town. Mr Irwin, who was born in 1918 and has lived in Coleraine all his life apart from six-and-a-half years during the Second World War, said he was honoured by the gong. He added that it had come as a big surprise, joking he was 'getting on a bit'. Born a few days after the end of the First World War, Mr Irwin joined the Coleraine Battery of the Royal Artillery in 1939 and served in North Africa before becoming one of the founding members of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in 1942, rising to the rank of sergeant. He became known for his initiative in the field — when tools were unavailable he made his own and 'got on with the job without fuss'. After the war he helped found several community organisations including the Coleraine Winemakers Club and the Coleraine Probus Club, a cross-community group for retirees. He also helped start the Agivey Anglers Association. Asked for his secret to a long life, the great-grandfather of four replied: 'A glass of Bushmills every day'. His family explained that he found out about the award via a letter from the Cabinet Office. They described him as a 'brilliant role model' with 'a quick wit and great sense of humour'. The honour also marks a special connection, as King Charles is the fifth monarch in Mr Irwin's lifetime. Road racing legend Michael Dunlop is also to receive an honour in the form of an MBE. Part of the famous Dunlop motorcycling dynasty, Michael has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the sport. With a record-breaking 33 victories at the Isle of Man TT, he is the most successful rider in the event's history. Since beginning his professional career in 2006 he has consistently pushed the boundaries of speed and endurance, famously becoming the first to lap the TT's Mountain Course in under 17 minutes. With over 120 national road race wins, he was named Motorcycle News Rider of the Year in 2023 and crowned King of the Roads at the 2024 Irish Motorbike Awards. Astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (81) from Lurgan, Co Armagh, who as a doctoral student discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967, is to be made a Companion of Honour. Other local names on the list include Elizabeth Norah McGrath (61) from Co Down, who will receive a BEM for services to suicide prevention. Described as a 'professional and committed healthcare worker', Ms McGrath has long held a passion for improving mental health services. She spearheaded the launch of the Suicide Prevention Care Pathway to quickly respond to patients at risk, co-produced with service users and volunteers with lived experience. Also honoured is Christine Smith KC from Co Down, chairwoman of the Urology Services Inquiry, who is being made a CBE. Ms Smith said she was 'deeply honoured'. 'I feel privileged to be the recipient as the first woman to chair a public inquiry in Northern Ireland. 'I see it as a recognition of the incredible mentors and champions I have had throughout my career, and I am most grateful for their support. 'I also see it as a reflection of the collective effort of my team on the Urology Services Inquiry and those I have been lucky to work with on previous inquiries, including the Independent Neurology Inquiry, the Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry, and in particular the inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse.' Singer and choir leader Maria Stephenson Lacey (68) from Belfast will be awarded an MBE for her services to the arts. The founder of the multicultural Belfast Community Gospel Choir in 2009, she has grown the group into a 100-strong ensemble that performs here and internationally, sharing a message of joy and inclusion. Meanwhile, Richard Taylor, governor of Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison, is being made an OBE for public service. Mr Taylor credited the whole team of staff for being part of a 10-year process of turning the south Belfast facility around, following a critical inspection report in 2013, to being described as a 'model of excellence'. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared his congratulations with everyone on the list. In a statement he said: 'This year's Birthday Honours List is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and service that exists in every corner of our country.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
106-year-old Irish man receives honour from Britain's King Charles and shares secret to long life
70 people from the north of Ireland have been recognised, including community champions and those involved in sport, arts, health, economy and policing. They join names such as David Beckham and The Who singer Roger Daltrey, who are knighted, and Strictly Come Dancing stars Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who are made MBEs. One of the most notable local recipients is Coleraine pensioner Norman Irwin, who at 106 is Northern Ireland's oldest man. The Derry man has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community in his local town. Mr Irwin, who was born in 1918 and has lived in Coleraine all his life apart from six-and-a-half years during the Second World War, said he was honoured by the gong. He added that it had come as a big surprise, joking he was 'getting on a bit'. Born a few days after the end of the First World War, Mr Irwin joined the Coleraine Battery of the Royal Artillery in 1939 and served in North Africa before becoming one of the founding members of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in 1942, rising to the rank of sergeant. He became known for his initiative in the field — when tools were unavailable he made his own and 'got on with the job without fuss'. After the war he helped found several community organisations including the Coleraine Winemakers Club and the Coleraine Probus Club, a cross-community group for retirees. He also helped start the Agivey Anglers Association. Asked for his secret to a long life, the great-grandfather of four replied: 'A glass of Bushmills every day'. His family explained that he found out about the award via a letter from the Cabinet Office. They described him as a 'brilliant role model' with 'a quick wit and great sense of humour'. The honour also marks a special connection, as King Charles is the fifth monarch in Mr Irwin's lifetime. Road racing legend Michael Dunlop is also to receive an honour in the form of an MBE. Part of the famous Dunlop motorcycling dynasty, Michael has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the sport. With a record-breaking 33 victories at the Isle of Man TT, he is the most successful rider in the event's history. Since beginning his professional career in 2006 he has consistently pushed the boundaries of speed and endurance, famously becoming the first to lap the TT's Mountain Course in under 17 minutes. With over 120 national road race wins, he was named Motorcycle News Rider of the Year in 2023 and crowned King of the Roads at the 2024 Irish Motorbike Awards. Astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (81) from Lurgan, Co Armagh, who as a doctoral student discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967, is to be made a Companion of Honour. Other local names on the list include Elizabeth Norah McGrath (61) from Co Down, who will receive a BEM for services to suicide prevention. Described as a 'professional and committed healthcare worker', Ms McGrath has long held a passion for improving mental health services. She spearheaded the launch of the Suicide Prevention Care Pathway to quickly respond to patients at risk, co-produced with service users and volunteers with lived experience. Also honoured is Christine Smith KC from Co Down, chairwoman of the Urology Services Inquiry, who is being made a CBE. Ms Smith said she was 'deeply honoured'. 'I feel privileged to be the recipient as the first woman to chair a public inquiry in Northern Ireland. 'I see it as a recognition of the incredible mentors and champions I have had throughout my career, and I am most grateful for their support. 'I also see it as a reflection of the collective effort of my team on the Urology Services Inquiry and those I have been lucky to work with on previous inquiries, including the Independent Neurology Inquiry, the Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry, and in particular the inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse.' Singer and choir leader Maria Stephenson Lacey (68) from Belfast will be awarded an MBE for her services to the arts. The founder of the multicultural Belfast Community Gospel Choir in 2009, she has grown the group into a 100-strong ensemble that performs here and internationally, sharing a message of joy and inclusion. Meanwhile, Richard Taylor, governor of Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison, is being made an OBE for public service. Mr Taylor credited the whole team of staff for being part of a 10-year process of turning the south Belfast facility around, following a critical inspection report in 2013, to being described as a 'model of excellence'. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared his congratulations with everyone on the list. In a statement he said: 'This year's Birthday Honours List is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and service that exists in every corner of our country.
The Independent
2 days ago
- General
- The Independent
‘Brilliant role model' and veteran ‘never imagined' being honoured at 106
Northern Ireland's oldest man has said he had never expected to receive an honour from the King at the age of 106. Norman Irwin, described by his friends as inspirational and a brilliant role model, served in north Africa during the Second World War before going on to make a difference in his home town of Coleraine. He helped to form the Coleraine Winemakers Club, recalling initially using nettles and dandelions, as well as becoming one of the founders of the town's Rotary Club and the Agivey Anglers Association. Mr Irwin is the oldest person to be recognised in this year's Kings Birthday Honours, and is just one of three recipients over the last 10 years aged 106, as well as being Northern Ireland's oldest man. He said he was very proud to be recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM), adding it had come as a big surprise, joking he was 'getting on a bit'. Born just a few days after the end of the First World War in 1918, Mr Irwin went on to serve in the Second World War, volunteering in April 1939 to join the Coleraine Battery of the Royal Artillery as a gunner. He described the battlefield in north Africa as stretching thousands of miles and getting chased across the desert by German troops in tanks. The sand presented a major challenge, he described, in terms of logistics, and he even engineered his own guns when they lost the tools to maintain them. 'We lost the tools for them in the sand, so we made our own – you learned to adapt to it very very quickly, you just had to get on with it,' he said. 'You do what you have to do in times of need. 'We were all volunteers here (in Northern Ireland), we weren't conscripted, so we all just went off en masse as our own decision. We never imagined what it was going to be like. ' People talk about the desert rats, but it didn't really get the same coverage as France. 'The First World War took a lot, and the Second World War took even more, terrible times.' Mr Irwin said the sheer distances involved in the conflict in north Africa is often what surprises people the most. 'People just didn't understand the distances when they talk about the Germans when they chased us back across north Africa, it was about 1,500 miles,' he said. 'They all think it's a small localised battle, but it wasn't, it was over a 1,500- 2,000-mile stretch. 'When they chased us back across the desert, they had tanks and we didn't have any, we couldn't cope with those, couldn't fight them, the only thing to do was to leave. 'Then we got reorganised and prepared, and we chased them back across again. The armoured divisions arrived once they realised what we were up against.' He went on to become one of the founding members of the new Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in October 1942 and he was soon promoted to sergeant. 'I was demobbed at the end of the war and came back home to Northern Ireland, and got a job as an engineer in a local factory and it all went from there,' he said. 'Everything that we did in the forces had an application in industry.' Back home, Mr Irwin helped form the Coleraine Winemakers club in the early 1960s. 'It was beer and wine, home hobbies at the time were quite the thing, and of course people would say to others, 'what do you think of my wine', so we formed a wine club had competitions for people who made wine out of nettles and dandelions, and all sorts of things we could find in the fields,' he said. 'It was quite potent. 'It moved on from that to a higher level, using grapes.' Asked about the held esteem he is held in, Mr Irwin responded: 'People say these things, I wouldn't put myself in that category. 'I enjoyed all those things as well, of course.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘Brilliant role model' and veteran ‘never imagined' being honoured at 106
Northern Ireland's oldest man has said he had never expected to receive an honour from the King at the age of 106. Norman Irwin, described by his friends as inspirational and a brilliant role model, served in north Africa during the Second World War before going on to make a difference in his home town of Coleraine. He helped to form the Coleraine Winemakers Club, recalling initially using nettles and dandelions, as well as becoming one of the founders of the town's Rotary Club and the Agivey Anglers Association. Mr Irwin is the oldest person to be recognised in this year's Kings Birthday Honours, and is just one of three recipients over the last 10 years aged 106, as well as being Northern Ireland's oldest man. He said he was very proud to be recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM), adding it had come as a big surprise, joking he was 'getting on a bit'. Born just a few days after the end of the First World War in 1918, Mr Irwin went on to serve in the Second World War, volunteering in April 1939 to join the Coleraine Battery of the Royal Artillery as a gunner. He described the battlefield in north Africa as stretching thousands of miles and getting chased across the desert by German troops in tanks. The sand presented a major challenge, he described, in terms of logistics, and he even engineered his own guns when they lost the tools to maintain them. 'We lost the tools for them in the sand, so we made our own – you learned to adapt to it very very quickly, you just had to get on with it,' he said. 'You do what you have to do in times of need. 'We were all volunteers here (in Northern Ireland), we weren't conscripted, so we all just went off en masse as our own decision. We never imagined what it was going to be like. 'People talk about the desert rats, but it didn't really get the same coverage as France. 'The First World War took a lot, and the Second World War took even more, terrible times.' Mr Irwin said the sheer distances involved in the conflict in north Africa is often what surprises people the most. 'People just didn't understand the distances when they talk about the Germans when they chased us back across north Africa, it was about 1,500 miles,' he said. 'They all think it's a small localised battle, but it wasn't, it was over a 1,500- 2,000-mile stretch. 'When they chased us back across the desert, they had tanks and we didn't have any, we couldn't cope with those, couldn't fight them, the only thing to do was to leave. 'Then we got reorganised and prepared, and we chased them back across again. The armoured divisions arrived once they realised what we were up against.' He went on to become one of the founding members of the new Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in October 1942 and he was soon promoted to sergeant. 'I was demobbed at the end of the war and came back home to Northern Ireland, and got a job as an engineer in a local factory and it all went from there,' he said. 'Everything that we did in the forces had an application in industry.' Back home, Mr Irwin helped form the Coleraine Winemakers club in the early 1960s. 'It was beer and wine, home hobbies at the time were quite the thing, and of course people would say to others, 'what do you think of my wine', so we formed a wine club had competitions for people who made wine out of nettles and dandelions, and all sorts of things we could find in the fields,' he said. 'It was quite potent. 'It moved on from that to a higher level, using grapes.' Asked about the held esteem he is held in, Mr Irwin responded: 'People say these things, I wouldn't put myself in that category. 'I enjoyed all those things as well, of course.'
