Galway’s bilingual business award, Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2020, run by Gaillimh le Gaeilge, is now open for nominations. This award, which is the longest running award of its kind in Ireland, is organised by Gaillimh le Gaeilge, in partnership with t he Galway Advertiser and with support from TG4 and the Galway Chamber. It is named in honour of the late Seosamh Ó hÓgartaigh, founding member and company secretary of Gaillimh le Gaeilge.
Uachtarán Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, an tOllamh Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, will officially launch the award at a press event in the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway on Tuesday next January 28 at 2.30 pm. At the event, an tUachtarán will also announce the sponsors for Gradam 2020, including a new sponsor for the year ahead.
The Gradam celebrates ‘an Ghaeilge’ in Ireland’s Bilingual City and welcomes nominations from across all sectors and businesses. Over the past 18 years, the Gradam has developed and created opportunities for the Irish language to flourish in Galway city - attracting nominations from multi-nationals, sporting and arts organisations, sole traders, hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, oil companies and more who all feel that the Irish language is relevant to their business and are proud to play their part in Galway’s bilingual status.
Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh was first launched in 2002. Two categories were introduced in 2006 and then four categories in 2012: Retail, Tourism and Hospitality, Services and Other Companies.
The value of the prizes and benefits have also increased over the years to more than €25,000 this year.
Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, Bernadette Mullarkey says the success of the Gradam is dependent on the support that it receives from local and national sponsors, especially the Gradam’s main sponsor – The Galway Advertiser.
“Gradam 2020 promises to be particularly special as Galway holds the title of European Capital of Culture and we hope that this will encourage even more businesses to get involved,” she added.
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. You don’t need to be a fluent speaker to participate as Gaillimh le Gaeilge will help you every step of the way. They will offer you the ‘Gaeilge sa Ghnó/Irish in Business’ service free of charge.
This service is a designed bespoke package in which you are guided through the process of adapting some or all of your business to bilingualism. Foireann Ghaillimh le Gaeilge will arrange a meeting with you and review your business in terms of its visual image – signage, marketing material, social media, advertising etc. They will examine various possibilities in terms of the use of Irish in your business or organisation. You have three months to prepare as the first round of adjudication will take place in April.
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.
You can nominate your own business/organisation or another business/organisation that is based in Galway City. To keep up to date with all the latest Gradam news, follow Gaillimh le Gaeilge on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
