Apollo 15 astronaut’s Ulster heritage inspires call for local tribute

US astronaut Colonel James Benson Irwin – the eighth man to walk on the Moon. (Photo: NASA Image and Video Library)

Hopes to erect a blue plaque in Mid Ulster in honour of US astronaut Colonel James Benson Irwin – the eighth man to walk on the Moon – have been ruled out, but an alternative tribute is now being explored.

Col. Irwin, who served as Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 15 in 1971, remains a legendary figure in space exploration. Born on 17 March 1930, he died on 8 August 1991. His achievements as an astronaut, aeronautical engineer, test pilot, and US Air Force officer continue to inspire people around the world.

Although Col. Irwin was American-born, his grandparents emigrated to the United States around 1859 from their home in Altmore, outside Pomeroy, County Tyrone. The family homestead at 22 Turnabarson Road remains in the Irwin family and is currently owned by his nephew, Robin Irwin.

Another nephew, Ian Irwin, recently wrote to Councillor Trevor Wilson (Ulster Unionist, Cookstown DEA) seeking support for a blue plaque at the family’s ancestral home.

In his letter, Mr Irwin said:

“I am writing to seek the support of the Council for a proposal submitted to the Ulster History Circle for the erection of a blue plaque in honour of Col. James Benson Irwin, the Apollo 15 astronaut and eighth man to walk on the Moon, who has ancestral roots in Altmore, outside Pomeroy, County Tyrone.”

US astronaut Colonel James Benson Irwin‘s book - ‘More Than Earthlings’

However, while Col. Irwin met many criteria for a blue plaque – including international achievement and having been deceased for more than 20 years – the Ulster History Circle rules require nominees to have been born, educated, or worked in Ulster.

As Col. Irwin was neither born nor raised in the province, the nomination could not proceed.

The issue was discussed at Mid Ulster District Council’s Development Committee on 11 September.

Councillor Wilson told members:

“I got word through today that the Ulster History Circle can’t support it, because unfortunately, James was not born in Northern Ireland. However, they did suggest that the Council might be prepared to put a storyboard on the side of the building, which would give more information and background than a blue plaque.

“The Ulster-Scots Agency have supplied a blue hexagon in situations where a blue plaque was not available, and they’d be willing to work with Council in doing that, if the Council wished to recognise what he did.”

Committee chair Councillor John McNamee (Sinn Féin, Cookstown DEA) added:

“We’ll help in whatever way we can.”

The matter has now been referred to Council officers for consideration.