PROTESTANT soldiers in the trenches of World War One could speak Gaelic, researchers found.
And the unlikely gaeilgeoiri were among 74 Irish speakers from unionist inner East Belfast.
An 18-month trawl of military records and census data was undertaken by Turas, an organisation to promote Irish language among Protestants.
Project leader Carmel Duggan said the findings challenge many perceptions about parts of East Belfast.
She said: “There wasn't the antagonism towards Irish at that point.
This story is from the December 31, 2021 edition of Irish Daily Mirror.
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This story is from the December 31, 2021 edition of Irish Daily Mirror.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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