Linda Ervine

Linda's journey with the Irish language began in 2011 when she took part in a six-week cross-community Irish class organised by East Belfast Mission and An Droichead. Inspired to continue learning, Linda enrolled in further classes, and her story quickly attracted widespread attention. As interest in Irish grew within the local community, East Belfast Mission launched its own Irish language classes. In 2012, Linda became the organisation's first Irish Language Development Officer, and the project was named Turas, the Irish word for journey.

Since then, Linda has played a leading role in making the Irish language accessible to thousands of new learners from all backgrounds. Her work has been recognised with an MBE for services to the community and the Irish language. She has been awarded honorary doctorates by Queen’s University, Trinity College Dublin and The Open University and in 2025 she was made a member of the Royal Irish Academy. Recently she was appointed to the Irish Council of State by President Catherine Connolly.

"Irish is the perfect medium of reconciliation... It is a bridge which unites our communities and reminds us of our shared history."