{
  "id": 8462686,
  "title": "Funeral of 107-year-old NI veteran told he was a 'hero'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/funeral-of-107-year-old-ni-veteran-told-he-was-a-hero",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-19T12:35:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/0919/1592187-norman-irwin-funeral/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The funeral of 107-year-old Northern Ireland veteran, Norman Irwin, a World War II hero, took place at the New Row Presbyterian Church in Coleraine. Irwin, who was the great-great-grandfather, served in North Africa before becoming a founder of several local clubs and associations. He was honored with a British Empire Medal in the UK's King Charles's birthday honours. His coffin was draped with the flag of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, where he served as a sergeant. The service, led by Rev Jonny McKane, acknowledged his remarkable health and independence throughout his long life. He married Margaret in 1946 and had four children. Norman passed away peacefully at the age of 107, leaving behind a legacy of engineering, community service, and humor. His grandson described him as a hero, emphasizing both the global recognition and the personal impact he had on his family. The funeral service was a mix of sorrow and pride, celebrating a life well-lived.",
  "summary": "The funeral of Northern Ireland's oldest man, 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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}