James Alexander Hamilton Irwin, born in Feeny, Ireland, was ordained as a Presbyterian minister; but, he later on toured America with his lifelong friend amon de Valera wherein they decided to move in the country after 15 years.
He toured America with Eamon de Valera in the 1920s, who became a lifelong friend. Irwin was ordained a Presbyterian minister in November 1903 in Killead Church, County Antrim, where he ministered until 1926. In 1928 he moved to St Thomas' Church, Leith, returning to Ireland in 1935. 
