Bríd Ní Chonghóile is a native of Ceathrú na gCloch in the Mayo Gaeltacht. She is CEO of Gaillimh Le Gaeilge, the body which promotes Galway as a bilingual city. Bríd drives a Dacia Sandreo Stepway.
First Car — An chéad ghluaisteán Bríd had was an Opel Corsa, ‘05 or 6’ she recalls with uncertainty. A much loved first car, funded by a credit union loan, it was succeeded by a Skoda Fabia, followed by the Stepway. The Corsa was christened Grainne (perhaps after the fierce Mayo Pirate Queen ). The middle car (Fabia ) was unnamed, with the Dacia affectionately known as Sheila.
Soundtrack — When Bríd hits the road it’s RnaG on the radio, ‘Ag Caint Leatsa’ Bríd loves the caint, ceol agus craic on the Irish language station. As she nears home the radio dial drifts to MidWest Radio.
Favourite Journey — The journey north of Galway, provides Bríd with her favourite road trip. The 160km journey cuts through Mayo’s finest landscape, a trip Bríd enjoys most in summer.
Ideal Passenger — Like the Pirate Queen, Brid likes to take the helm and prefers to be in the driving seat. She admits to not being a great passenger and is quite content driving solo.
Dream Chauffeur — An essential skill for any potential dream driver for Bríd is to have the cúpla focal, you can see the list shortening, Hector? Enda Kenny? maybe Paul Mescal ? He did demonstrate his ability at the Oscars. But Brid has one celeb on her list, Dara Ó Briain the comedian and TV host. He’s witty, smart and fluent in Irish.
Dream Lotto Car — If Bríd ever picks the magic numbers, she has two vehicles on her must buy list. A brand new, top of the range Dacia. Topping out at under €32,000, the Dacia Duster Extreme won’t blow her budget, even with all the extras and one in each of the seven colours available, there will be plenty of change. Bríd’s other Lotto splurge would be a top of the range motorhome.
The final of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2023, the awards for Irish Language Businesses will take place on May 25 in the Hardiman Hotel. For information see www.gleg.ie
