Northern Ireland's oldest man (106) receives honour from King Charles and shares secret to long life

Irish Independent

14-06-2025

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.