Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, Galway’s bilingual business award, was officially launched by Uachtarán Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh who said the competition is very much in keeping with the core values of the National University of Ireland, Galway.
Speaking at a press event in the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway on Tuesday, he said the awards reflect a respect for our culture and the surrounding community, openness to the world and excellence in our actions and the sustainability of the language
At the event, an tUachtarán announced the list of sponsors for the year ahead and welcomed a new sponsor on board for Gradam 2020 – Video Sherpa.
Video Sherpa is a software company based in the Portershed, Galway that has developed a guided content creation platform for businesses. The winner of the Gradam ‘Services ‘ Category, will receive a one year subscription to Video Sherpa to the value of €2,000, which includes; Video creation software with unlimited user licences; 1 x Media Kit (DJI Osmo stabiliser & microphone set ); Create up to 60 videos; Video Hosting; Team training session and Ongoing customer support.
This year, the main media sponsor is once again the Galway Advertiser, TG4 and MOLSCÉAL are also on board, as well as all of the category sponsors and they are as follows:
Galway Bay FM who are sponsoring the Retail Category; Fáilte Ireland who are sponsoring the Tourism and Hospitality Category and Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh who are sponsoring the ‘Other Companies’ Category.
Údarás Na Gaeltachta are sponsoring the miniature Gradam sculptures that each category winner will receive and the Galway Chamber are also providing sponsorship to the overall winner. The total value of the sponsorship for Gradam 2020 is over €25,000. Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh is now open for nominations until Friday the 21st of February, visit www.gleg.ie for more information and to enter online.
Speaking at the press event the Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard spoke about the impact of the Irish language on Galway City:
“It’s hard to imagine Galway without the Irish language – it just wouldn’t be the same place. It’s great to see that this has been recognised by world renowned travel magazines such as Condé Nast and Lonely Planet who have made reference to Galway’s culture when ranking Galway in the top 10 places to visit in 2020, and more recently in the Irish Independent, Pól Ó Conghaile, referred to how you can always hear ‘An Ghaeilge’ on the streets of Galway. It is part and parcel of Galway’s cultural charm and let’s keep it that way he concluded!”
Uachtarán Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said the awards mirrored the culture of the univerity.
“Luíonn an Gradam go mór le luachanna Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh: ómós dár gcultúr agus dár bpobail máguaird, oscailteacht don domhan mór, barr feabhais inár ngníomh agus inbhuanaitheacht teanga.
“Tá muid, dá bharr, an-sásta tacú go tréan arís i mbliana le Gaillimh le Gaeilge agus le Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh”.
Bernadette Mullarkey, Cathaoirleach of Gaillimh le Gaeilge, thanked all of the sponsors supporting the Gradam and said:
“Tá an rath agus an cáil atá ar an nGradam ag brath ar an tacaíocht a fhaigheann sé ó urraitheoirí áitiúla agus náisiúnta, go háirithe príomhurraitheoir an Ghradaim an Galway Advertiser. Is í mo chomhairle d’aon ghnó nó eagraíocht atá ag cuimhneamh ar iontráil sa Ghradam ná - coinnigh ort agus glac páirt ann. Over the past 18 years, we have seen the Gradam, attracting nominations from multi nationals, sporting and arts organisations, sole traders, hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, oil companies who all feel that the language is relevant to their business and are proud to play their part in Galway’s bilingual status.”
Declan Varley, Group Editor of the Galway Advertiser also spoke and said that the Galway Advertiser is delighted to be associated with the awards:
“The Irish language in the culture of Galway is like a precious diamond that we have to continue to polish so that it will shine forever. It is a stone that is curated and watched over by Gaillimh le Gaeilge. They do that very well.
“Our job is simple — we just have to take a cloth to this stone every day — and shine it, so that it will glint forever. From the Galway Advertiser point of view, we are delighted to help polish this diamond, to help protect and preserve this priceless gem that is the Irish language,” he added.
Entrants have three months to prepare as the first round of adjudication will take place in April. Gaillimh le Gaeilge is currently putting a schedule together and would love to meet with businesses and organisations who are interested in using the Irish language to create a bilingual business.
The closing date for Gradam entries is Friday February 21 2020. All that is required at this stage of the Gradam process is to fill in a short application form and Foireann Ghaillimh le Gaeilge will be in touch to prepare you for the Gradam awards. Log onto www.gleg.ie for more information and to enter online free of charge or contact 091 568876.
