The closing date for Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh nominations, is tomorrow February 21 at 5.30pm. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the longest running award of its kind in Ireland, organised by Gaillimh le Gaeilge in partnership with the Galway Advertiser and with support from TG4 and the Galway Chamber.
If you are interested in using the Irish language or wish to increase the use of Irish in your business/organisation, this is the award for you and there is no cost to enter! You can nominate your own business or nominate another business or organisation for the award. To enter, simply fill in the application form, available online at www.gleg.ie, or pick up a form at Gaillimh le Gaeilge’s office, Flood Street, Galway.
This is what last year’s winner, Vivienne Molloy from Sweeney Oil , had to say about the Gradam:
“Winning the Gradam last year has meant a huge amount…our message is that we have gained so much from being part of this initiative and with the help of Gaillimh le Gaeilge, we have embraced our wider customer needs and we have found our own identity. We encourage all business to get involved, no matter what your offering, or your resources, every step, no matter how small initially, is a building block for the future and one we should be proud to be part of.”
Speaking about the Gradam process, Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, Bernadette Mullarkey said her message to any business or organisation who is considering entering this year, Galway’s year as European Capital of Culture, téigh ar aghaidh agus tabhair faoi – go for it!
“You have two months to prepare as adjudication will take place in April, so, a very busy and exciting time ahead for all - táimid ag tnúth go mór leis!”
Businesses and Organisations registered in Galway City can enter one of four categories: Retail, Hospitality and Tourism, Services and Other Companies. A winner will be chosen in each category and the overall winner will be selected from the four category winners.
Gradam 2020 was launched by Uachtarán Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh at a press event in the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway in late January. At the launch, an tUachtarán announced the sponsors for the year ahead and welcomed a new sponsor, Video Sherpa, who are sponsoring the ‘Services’ category. The main media sponsor is once again the Galway Advertiser, TG4 and MOLSCÉAL are also on board, as well as all 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 €23,000.
The closing date for Gradam entries is Friday the 21st of February 2020. Log onto www.gleg.ie for more information and to enter online free of charge or contact 091 568876.
