Military tribute expected to WWII soldier and Northern Ireland's oldest man as PSNI says Coleraine should brace for 'large crowds' at funeral
There is to be a military contingent at tommorow’s funeral of a man who was thought to be the oldest in Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile the PSNI have said they expect large crowds of mourners to turn out in Coleraine town centre to pay their respects to Norman Irwin BEM, who died on September 2, aged 107.
He was a veteran of World War II, having served with the Royal Artillery and REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) in north Africa and Europe.
The undertakers (Hugh Wade Funeral Directors) said that soldiers from REME are expected to be among those in attendence at the funeral today at New Row Presbyterian Church at 11.30am, which will be followed by interment in Coleraine Cemetery.
It is understood the church can hold perhaps 250 to 300 people on the ground floor, plus more on the first-floor gallery.
The service will be taken by Rev Jonny McKane, and it will be livestreamed for anyone who cannot make it.
It is further understood that there will be a standard-bearer, guard of honour, bugler, and piper involved, and a tribute at the town’s war memorial.
The PSNI said: “Road users are advised that vehicular access to Coleraine town centre pedestrian zone will be restricted on the morning of Saturday, between approximately 10.30am to 12.30pm on September 19 due to a funeral taking place.
“A large crowd is anticipated and officers will be in attendance to control traffic and assist with access for deliveries where possible.”
His grandson Chris Irwin said in the immediate aftermath of his death that “to the world, he was a hero and a piece of history, but to us, he was simply Papa… his warmth, wit, and wisdom guided our family for generations – and always with a glass of Bushmills”.