Six companies have been shortlisted for the final of the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, an award which acknowledges businesses which actively promote and utilise the Irish langauge.
Bilingual businesses are thriving in Galway city, this was evident when the judging panel were faced with the difficult task of choosing the finalists for the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh last week. According to Gaillimh le Gaeilge, this year’s finalists illustrate the diverse range of businesses which incorporate the use of the Irish language in the day to day running of their business. The list of companies and organisations which have been shortlisted for this year’s awards are as follows. In the category with 1 - 20 employees: EmployAbility Services Galway, Galway City and County Childcare Committee, and Ryan McGinty chartered accountants. In the category with 20+ employees: Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Griffins Bakery, and McCambridges.
The winner will be announced by Minister Éamon Ó Cuív TD at a special ceremony in the Pavilion Suite of the Glenlo Abbey Hotel at 6.30pm, on Thursday February 25. The overall winner will receive a fantastic combined business package to the value of €15,000 sponsored by the Galway Advertiser, Galway Bay FM, Snap Printing - Galway, Galway Airport, Galway Chamber, and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The winner will also receive the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh bronze sculpture in addition to Séala Sheosaimh Uí Ógaratigh, a ‘Q Mark’ for the Irish language in Galway city in association with the Galway County and City Enterprise Board.
The judging panel are: Michelle Ní Chróinín, press and information officer, NUI Galway, Paul Gill, Claregalway Hotel and chairperson of the Galway Branch of the Irish Hotels’ Federation, and Patricia Lohan, of Lohans Bar & Restaurant, last year’s winner of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh.
