Norman Irwin, a 107-year-old World War II veteran, has died. Irwin, born in 1918, was understood to be the oldest living person in Northern Ireland. He served in eight countries during the war.
Tributes have been paid by local officials who remembered Irwin as a humble, inspirational man and a "true Coleraine legend." Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins, noted that Irwin was held in high esteem across the borough and had participated in numerous council events over the years. She added that his humor, wit, wisdom, and anecdotes about his long life would be greatly missed. Huggins extended her thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Council Veterans' champion, DUP councillor Philip Anderson, expressed profound sadness at Irwin's passing, describing him as a humble and inspirational figure. Alliance councillor Alderman Richard Stewart also paid tribute, calling Irwin a gentleman who was always warm, witty, and full of fascinating stories. Stewart remarked that Irwin's passing marked "the end of an era."