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Second World War veteran Norman Irwin's funeral was held at the New Row Presbyterian Church in Coleraine on Saturday. Mr Irwin, Northern Ireland’s oldest man who died at 107, served in north Africa and later became involved with local clubs like Rotary Club and Agivey Anglers Association. The service included a standard-bearer, guard of honor, bugler, and piper, reflecting the respect for his military service. Rev Jonny McKane highlighted Irwin's contributions to society and personal achievements, including meeting his wife Margaret while stationed in Scotland, their four children, and his lifelong health and independence.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-09-19,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
The funeral of Second World War veteran Norman Irwin, who was Northern Ireland’s oldest man, took place at the New Row Presbyterian Church in Coleraine on Saturday. Mr Irwin died at the age of 107 and is remembered for his service in North Africa during the war and his contributions to local community organizations such as the Coleraine Winemakers Club, Rotary Club, and Agivey Anglers Association. During the thanksgiving service led by Rev Jonny McKane, attendees were informed that Mr Irwin served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and met his wife Margaret while stationed in Hawke, Scottish Borders in 1945. His coffin was draped with the flag of the corps he served in, accompanied by a standard-bearer, guard of honour, bugler, and piper.
Written for “Second World War Veteran Funeral” on 2026-10-07,
grounded in this article and the 1 other(s) covering the same event.
The funeral of Second World War veteran Norman Irwin, who died at the age of 107, has heard how he lived a remarkable life and was a “hero” in the world.
asserted
he → die → world
Mr Irwin, who was Northern Ireland’s oldest man, served in north Africa during the war before going on to help form Coleraine Winemakers Club, and was one of the founders of the town’s Rotary Club and the Agivey Anglers Association.
The funeral of the great-great-grandfather took place at the New Row Presbyterian Church in Coleraine on Saturday.
asserted
funeral → serve → Saturday
A standard-bearer, guard of honour, bugler, and piper also took part in the thanksgiving service.
asserted
bearer → take → service
The service, led Rev Jonny McKane, heard how he enjoyed health and independence in his long life.
asserted
he → lead → life
Rev McKane said: “In 1942, Norman’s natural mechanical ability was recognised, and he transferred to the newly formed Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, where he eventually rose to the rank of sergeant.
asserted
he → say → sergeant
“In 1945, he was posted to Hawke in the Scottish borders, and that posting was to be significant in many ways.
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posting → post → ways
But it would change his life because it was there that he met his future wife, Margaret.
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he → change → wife
“Norman and Margaret were married in 1946 and blessed with four children – David, Elizabeth, Margaret, and Joy.
asserted
Norman → marry → children
“Perhaps one of the remarkable things about Norman was simply the health and independence that he enjoyed throughout such a long life.
asserted
he → enjoy → life
“Latter years he lived in the Cottage Care Home, where birthday celebrations became something of an annual event, often attracting considerable attention and one or two guests upon it.
asserted
celebrations → live → it
“Norman passed away peacefully at the remarkable age of 107.”
asserted
Norman → pass → 107
The man who could build or fix absolutely anything.
uncertain
who → build → anything
“The man whose whose humour kept every single one of us on our toes right to the very end. Papa’s mind was always working, always innovating.
asserted
mind → keep → end
“Long before DIY culture existed, Papa was doing it.
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Papa → exist → it
We love you.
asserted
We → love → you
We miss your wits, and we’ll keep your legacy alive in everything we do.”
asserted
we → miss → everything
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