'He's an inspiration' - Northern Ireland man Norman Irwin marks 106th birthday

A man from Northern Ireland has been described as "an inspiration" as he marks his 106th birthday.

Norman Irwin marked the occasion on November 17 with a visit to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council's Civic Headquarters this week, where friends and family gathered to congratulate the much-loved centenarian.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Tanya Stirling said: “It is hard to put into words the contribution that Norman Irwin has made to society during his 106 years - he is an inspiration to all of us.

Read more: Belfast City Councillors with the worst attendance revealed

Read more: NI airports can “take advantage” of Dublin Airport passenger cap, MLAS told

“I was honoured to meet him today and to host a reception for his milestone birthday. Norman is a role model within our community, with impeccably high standards and a fantastic attitude to life, we are all very proud of Norman and send him the very best of wishes on this his birthday week.”

Norman is a Second World War Veteran and holder of Freedom of the Borough bestowed in 1989 from what was then Coleraine Borough Council, and has had an illustrious military career spanning many years.

In 2020, he was presented with a commemorative silver Poppy of Remembrance in as one of the few remaining Second World War veterans living in the Borough.

His support was invaluable to Council when hosting of the exhibition to mark the 70th anniversary of the Second World War in 2015, which included the Coleraine Battery Collection. In January 2021, aged 102, he took part in a local PR campaign on the roll out of the COVID vaccine.

The Deputy Mayor added: “While it is impossible to measure the impact of his public appeal, he is an inspiration to all and a fantastic example of the important role that older people can play within the community, and we are very proud of him.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.