Anticipation is building as the final days approach before the announcement of this year’s Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh winners. The prestigious bilingual business awards will culminate in a special awards ceremony this Monday, at the Galway Bay Hotel, where Minister for the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, will reveal the New Tribe of Galway City.
Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh recognises the positive impact of the Irish language in Galway’s business and cultural life, and emphasises the central role that local businesses and organisations play in fostering the city’s vibrant bilingual spirit.
In the lead-up to the event, a Lón Gnó (bilingual networking lunch ) took place on Tuesday, May 13 at The Galmont Hotel & Spa. There was a warm and welcoming atmosphere, as the Gearrliosta chatted, and speculated on who would be crowned Galway’s New Tribe next Monday.
Bríd Ní Chonghóile, Príomhfheidhmeannach, Gaillimh le Gaeilge said “Táimid ag súil go mór leis an oíche speisialta seo. The Gradam is a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the valuable bilingual work taking place across the city - work that makes Irish visible and vibrant, while reinforcing Galway’s status as a culturally rich, forward-thinking city.”
The 2025 Finalists
Fifteen finalists across five categories will showcase their bilingual achievements at the ceremony. Their bilingual achievements are highlighted on Gaillimh le Gaeilge’s YouTube and social media channels
Retail Experience
(sponsored by Galway Bay FM )
Booley
Just Art It
Tourism (sponsored by Fáilte Ireland )
Daróg Wine Bar
Galway Girl Cruises
Tribe Gin School
Customer Service
(sponsored by Computer Troubleshooters )
Citylink
GHR Consulting
Plámás
Soundtrack & Podcast
Digital (sponsored by Platform 94 )
Grá Chocolates
Irish Socksciety
The little Siopa
Thrive with Marian
Community & Culture
(sponsored by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe )
Cumann Seoltóireacht Húicéirí na Gaillimhe
Galway Film Fleadh
Awards and Recognition
Each category winner receives:
A €2,000 business support package
A replica of the Gradam sculpture sponsored by Údarás na Gaeltachta
The overall winner, selected from the five category winners, will receive:
An advertising package from the Galway Advertiser
A publicity package from TG4
Memberships of Galway Chamber and Gaillimh le Gaeilge
A unique sculpture by artist Pádraic Reaney symbolising the Fourteen Tribes of Galway with one tribe standing out to represent the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh winner — and all future winners.
Total prize value exceeds €40,000.
Na Moltóirí
An independent panel of judges includes:
Éanna Ó hÓgartaigh, son of the late Seosamh Ó hÓgartaigh, who the award is named after,
Margaret Jenkins, Wild Atlantic Way Team Manager
Colleen Baxter, WestBIC
Diarmuid Ó Conchubhair, Galway Bay FM
For updates, follow Gaillimh le Gaeilge on social media using #GradamGleG on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
Gaillimh le Gaeilge extends sincere thanks to all the participants, sponsors, and supporters. Their ongoing commitment ensures the continued success of the Gradam.
