Gaillimh le Gaeilge has announced the 16 nominees who have been selected as this year’s finalists for Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2021. Celebrating the Gradam’s 19th anniversary, this year’s Gearrliosta reflects the diverse range of businesses and organisations celebrating an Ghaeilge and making their mark on bilingual Galway and across the country.
The expert judging panel which had dozens of entries to assess, have whittled them down to 16 finalists who are now one step closer to becoming The New Tribe of Galway. The Gradam is organised by Gaillimh le Gaeilge in association with the Galway Advertiser, TG4 and with support from the Galway Chamber.
The following businesses and organisations were selected for the Gradam Gearrliosta 2021:
Retail category, sponsored by Galway Bay FM the finalists are:
Corrib Shopping Centre, Murphy & Me
Tourism & Hospitality category, sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, the finalists are:
Galway Greyhound Stadium, Hardiman Hotel
Services category, sponsored by Video Sherpa, the finalists are:
Big O Taxis, Dan-Éire Designs, GoBus.ie, OFS Support Services Ltd t/a OPTiM Payroll, Tribes Press
Online Business category, sponsored by The Galway Technology Centre, the finalists are:
Bród Pobal na Gaillimhe, Grá Chocolates, Healthy Ever After, Irish Socksciety
Non-Profit & Other Companies category, sponsored by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh, the finalists are:
COPE Galway, Feachtas Rothaíochta na Gaillimhe, St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.
All finalists will be invited to a Bronnadh speisialta (special awards ceremony ) on Thursday, November 4 where the category winners and overall winner, will be announced.
Speaking about this year’s Gradam nominees, Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, Bernadette Mullarkey congratulated each of the finalists and said:
“Míle buíochas do na heagraíochtaí agus do na gnólachtaí go léir a ghlac páirt sa Ghradam i mbliana.
“This year’s Gearrliosta have faced a year full of disruption and uncertainty and have still managed to deliver on their continued commitment to the Irish language and promoting Galway as Cathair Dhátheangach na hÉireann.
“Their bilingual work, the visibility and the promotion of the Irish language are always key ingredients to our success as a bilingual city. Comhghairdeas leis an nGearrliosta agus go n-éirí go geal leo go léir sa chéad chéim eile den phróiseas moltóireachta!”
Also speaking on behalf of the Moltóirí, Daithí Ó Gallchobhair, Team Manager, Gaeltacht & the Islands, Wild Atlantic Way said: “Tá an Gearrliosta deimhnithe anois agus táimid ag súil go mór leis an gcéad chuid eile den phróiseas moltóireachta sna seachtainí amach romhainn.
“There is no doubt that this year has been extremely challenging for businesses across the country, and despite these challenges, Galway businesses have succeeded in prioritizing and utilizing the Irish language for the benefit of their business. This year’s nominees are of a high standard and there is a great variety between the use of Irish on signage, websites, social media, and the branding they use. They are all excellent examples for other businesses on how to use the Irish language in their business.”
Other members of the adjudication panel include Maeliosa Ó hÓgartaigh, Accountant and businessman and son of the late Seosamh Ó hÓgartaigh, after whom the award is named; and Colleen Baxter, Membership & Events Coordinator, Galway Chamber. Over the coming weeks, the Moltóirí will meet with the businesses and organisations listed on the shortlist as they face the difficult decision to choose a winner in each category and an overall winner from the five category winners.
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 said they are especially grateful for their support this year, a year which continues to pose a challenge for us all. Go raibh míle maith agaibh:
The sponsors are: The Galway Advertiser, TG4, Fáilte Ireland, Galway Bay FM, Video Sherpa, Galway Technology Centre, 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 in excess of €26,000.
