Final preparations are currently under way for the award ceremony of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh which is to take place tonight at the Glenlo Abbey Hotel at 6.30pm.
Six businesses and organisations were shortlisted for this prestigious award from a variety of sectors in Galway city, and tonight the winner of the prestigious award will be announced.
All six finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their bilingual endeavours and innovations in promoting Galway as a bilingual city. The award will feature two categories. In the category with fewer than 20 employees the businesses/organisations shortlisted are: EmployAbility Service Galway, Galway City and County Childcare Committee, and Ryan McGinty chartered accountants. In the category with more than 20 employees the businesses shortlisted are: Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Griffins Bakery, and McCambridges.
Minister Éamon Ó Cúiv will present the winner of each category with a miniature version of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta, and the overall winner will receive for a year a specially commissioned sculpture designed by Pádraic Reaney depicting the 14 tribes of Galway resting over the River Corrib, with one extra tribe outstanding, who symbolises the winner of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, and future winners to come.
The winner will also receive a fantastic business package to the value of €15,000 sponsored by the Galway Advertiser, Galway Bay FM, Snap Printing, Galway Airport, and the Galway Chamber as well as ‘Séala Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh’ a Q Mark for the Irish language in Galway city. The ‘Séala’ was developed in association with Galway County and City Enterprise Board.
Speaking on behalf of the judging panel this year, Michelle Ní Chróinín, NUI Galway said: “Picking a winner for the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh was extremely difficult this year as the standard was so high. The overall award will be given to the business that distinguishes itself among the other finalists as being outstanding in the promotion of the Irish language within their business and also in their contribution to the promotion of Galway as a bilingual city.”
