As Autumn closes in, Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh moves to the next stage of Galway’s bilingual Business Award. 31 businesses and organisations across Galway, are preparing to showcase their bilingual endeavours as they prepare their Pacáistí Eolais (information packs ) to impress the moltóirí and take one step closer to becoming the new tribe of Galway.
For the second year in a row, Gaillimh le Gaeilge welcomes a record number of entries for the Gradam, with 20 of the 31 entries new to the Gradam and 11 returning. Companies and organisations competing for the prestigious title include a bridal boutique, Ireland’s largest medieval parish church, as well as leading hotels and bars in Galway city who all feel the Irish language is relevant to them.
Gaillimh le Gaeilge introduced a new category for the Gradam this year - ‘Gnó ar Líne | Online Business’ sponsored by the Galway Technology Centre. 2020/2021 saw a substantial increase in the number of businesses who moved online or who increased their online presence due to the pandemic. This category reflects this new trend and is open for businesses and organisations registered in Galway city and county and who are connecting primarily online with their customers and key stakeholders or leading some online project / campaign.
The other 4 categories are as follows: ‘Retail’ sponsored by Galway Bay FM, ‘Tourism and Hospitality’ sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, ‘Services’ sponsored by Video Sherpa ‘Non-profit & Other Companies’ sponsored by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh.
Every year, Bord Stiúrtha Ghaillimh le Gaeilge assembles a panel of independent judges with a wide range of expertise to select the winners of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh. On the judging panel this year are: Maeliosa Ó hÓgartaigh, son of the late Seosamh Ó hÓgartaigh, founding member and company secretary of Gaillimh le Gaeilge, whom the award is named after, Daithí Ó Gallchobhair, Manager of the Wild Atlantic Way, Fáilte Ireland and Colleen Baxter, Membership & Events Coordinator, Galway Chamber.
Speaking about the Gradam, Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge Bernadette Mullarkey said “comhghairdeas libh go léir as bhur dtiomantas chun Gaillimh a choinneáil dátheangach agus difriúil.
“ We are delighted with the diversity of businesses and organisations taking part and commend them for their continuous hard work especially during this remarkable year. As we slowly return to normality, it will be great to see the impact of their bilingual work as we enjoy all that Galway has to offer.”
The list of finalists will be published in The Galway Advertiser on October 7. The category winners and overall winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony in The Hardiman Hotel in early November subject to Covid-19 restrictions.
Gaillimh le Gaeilge would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the local and national sponsors for their invaluable support to the Gradam over the years. They are especially grateful for their support this year, go raibh míle maith agaibh:
The sponsors are The Galway Advertiser, TG4, Fáilte Ireland, Galway Bay FM, The Galway Technology Centre, Video Sherpa, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, MOLSCÉAL, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Galway Chamber. The total value of the sponsorship package for the Gradam is worth in excess of €26,000.
