Protestant, loyalists and unionists in Belfast are learning the Irish language in increasing numbers.
That's according to Irish language campaigner Linda Ervine, who started the Turas Irish Language Project in east Belfast 10 years ago.
Linda, whose brother-in-law is the former UVF commander and politician David Ervine, says the programme has gone from strength to strength.
The Gaeilgeoir, who describes herself as "Eireannahch ach fós Briotanach" - 'Irish and yet British' - told Newstalk Breakfast they opened the area's first Irish speaking pre-school last year.
"We started off 10 years ago just setting up classes and it grew slowly - we're now one of the biggest centres in Belfast.
"We would sign up probably almost 300 people a year.
"We also recently started a naíscoil; it's an integrated Irish medium naíscoil - the first ever in east Belfast.
"We have 15 children, we have 22 registrations for next year.
"We're trying now at the minute to find a permanent home because we're in a temporary shared space and we have to be out by the end of June.
"So if anybody wants to help us, we're up for it".
'A bit of shock'
On her introduction to the Irish language, she says: "I was part of a cross-community women's group in east Belfast, and we did a six week taster on the Irish language.
"I think what was interesting at the time - now this was 11 years ago - the Protestant women we were really intrigued, because we'd never had the opportunity, and the Catholic women were much more interested in the royal wedding that was coming up and what Kate's dress was going to look like."
She says people's reactions can be mixed.
"I think when I started there was a bit of shock from some quarters, but on the other hand there was a lot of interest from other people.
"So there's kind of a two-fold reaction: people who really want to get involved as well because you're doing it, and then other people who feel 'Oh my goodness you're doing something wrong'.
"But I've also seen people on a journey as well, who start off thinking 'This is an issue, I shouldn't be doing this' and end up becoming one of our learners, one of our volunteers, one of our good friends".
And Linda says the expression 'Ta Gailge agam' resonated with her.
"I remember thinking 'I want to be able to say 'Ta Gaelic agam', I want to be able to say 'It's part of who I am'.
"I'm not a great leaner, but I've battled away and now I'm in the second year at Queen's University doing my degree in Irish".
