I think you are not entitled to Irish pension until 66.
When you apply for your UK pension you apply through the Irish service in Sligo
(you send completed English forms etc to :State Pension(contributory)Section, Social Welfare Services, Dept. Of Social and Family affairs, College Road, Sligo)
They will forward them to Newcastle. When you then apply for your Irish pension they will assess knowing you are in receipt of UK pension.
Hope this helps.
p.s. An Emer Benson in the EU/Bilateral Pensions Section in Sligo may be able to help. Tel : 071 9157100