Secret of a long life? Whiskey, says 107-year-old war veteran

Norman Irwin pictured after receiving his British Empire Medal (BEM) from the Princess Royal at Hillsborough Castle during her visit to Northern Ireland

Maria McCann
BBC News NI north east reporter

A special birthday party has been held for a 107-year-old World War Two (WW2) veteran who is believed to be Northern Ireland's oldest man.

Norman Irwin was joined by his family, friends and military representatives at his care home near Coleraine, County Londonderry on Monday.

"It seems a lot of fuss over nothing," Mr Irwin joked.

He served in eight countries during WW2 and played a vital role in protecting the Suez canal from German attacks.

Mr Irwin sits amongst family, friends and military representatives. From left to right, standing up: A man with short dark hair, glasses and beard wearing a navy suit, blue shirt and dark tie. A lady with short grey hair and a flowery blouse. Mr Irwin's grandson with short dark hair black suit, white shirt and blue tie. A lady with purple hair, white turtleneck and black leather jacket. A man with short grey hair and black glasses wearing a dark brown military uniform with his medals. Sitting down, from left to right: an elderly man with short grey hair, metal glasses, wearing a black blazer, white shirt and purple tie. Mr Irwin who is bald and wearing a white shirt, patterned tie and grey blazer with his medals. Then a lady with shoulder length grey hair, silver glasses, wearing a black cardigan and patterned blouse.

Mr Irwin (in the middle) pictured with family, friends and military representatives

'Be kind to everybody'

He said the "comradery of the men" during that time stays with him to this day.

Mr Irwin said the world has changed a lot since he was born in 1918.

"It is very difficult to get a handle on the world nowadays. It's difficult to know where it's going.

"It is changing so rapidly and it will keep on changing rapidly."

Mr Irwin wearing a suit with his military medals stands up in front of a table which has cake and whiskey sitting on it. He is surrounded by military representatives, and another man has his arms around him. The flag on the table and hanging up is yellow and black, and the military representatives are wearing official uniform.

Mr Irwin was was gifted a bottle of whiskey by The Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers with his military service number engraved

A brown and white image of Mr Irwin taken on top of a notebook with different coloured writing in it. He is wearing his military uniform in the picture and has short hair.

An image of Mr Irwin from when he served in WW2

Mr Irwin said young people should "take it as it comes and do your best and be kind to everybody on your way up because you might meet them on your way down."

Earlier this year, he was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for a range of voluntary work in his home town, including at a cross-community club for retirees.

He said his longevity was down to whiskey and he was gifted a bottle by The Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers with his military service number engraved.

'Very honoured'

Chris Irwin has short dark hair, blue eyes and stubble. He is wearing a black blazer, white shirt and dark blue tie.

Chris Irwin, Norman's grandson, said his grandfather has a "zest for life"

Norman's grandson Chris Irwin said he was "incredibly proud".

"I can't believe he's 107 and still going strong. He's got such zest for life…he's a witty character and such fun to be around."

"The other day he dropped his wallet on the floor and by the time I'd even thought about it he'd picked it up and put it in his pocket," he added.

"He's still here, he's still enjoying it and still going strong and there's no sign of him giving up.

"I feel very honoured to be his grandson…and I'm looking forward to his 108th birthday."

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