Gaillimh le Gaeilge, the organisation responsible for the promotion of the Irish language in Galway city, is delighted to see that local businesses and organisations are continuing to use the Irish language and making “An Ghaeilge” their business. New signage featuring the Irish language has appeared on our streets reinforcing and strengthening Galway’s unique and cultural image.
The Great Outdoors on Eglington Street has recently added an extension to their shop which features new signage with the well known seanfhocal – ‘Is fearr an sláinte ná an táinte’. The manager of Great Outdoors, Louise O’Rourke said that ‘when renovating our store on Eglington Street, we thought it would be a good idea to introduce the Irish language to our signage. The seanfhocal fits with our ethos of promoting a healthy lifestyle and works well in our shop.’
Logue’s, the well-known Galway shoe shop, have also embraced the language recently. They have used it in signage both inside and outside their premises on Williamsgate Street as well as on their their shopping bags. Speaking about their decision to use the Irish language in Logue’s, the manager, Rochie Tynan said: “We hear Irish language speakers in our shop on a daily basis. It’s an intrinsic part of Galway life. I am also interested in the language and when Gaillimh le Gaeilge approached us with ideas on how to go about using it in our business; I was sold on the idea and just went with it. We will continue to increase its use as much as we can into the future.”
Galway City Council has led by example by featuring bilingual posters in bus shelters to promote cycling, walking and the bus services in Galway city. The campaign represents a coordinated initiative between Galway Transportation Unit (Galway City Council ), NUI Galway, An Taisce Green Schools, Galway University Hospital and the Galway Healthy Cities Initiative.
Gaillimh le Gaeilge says that this is an ideal time to introduce or increase the use of the Irish language in your business as Galway’s bilingual business award – Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, is just around the corner.
An information evening on the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh Award in association with the winners of Gradam 2012, EmployAbility Galway, will be held on Tuesday 29th January 2013 at 6.30p.m. [Venue is to be confirmed]. The Information Evening will provide you with an excellent opportunity to chat with previous Gradam winners to find out how they went about achieving it and how their business has benefitted from the award and prize package.
Galway city is also in the running for the European Capital of Culture for 2020. According to what was revealed at the European Cultural Conference in Brussels this year, the emphasis is on linguistic diversity. By using the Irish language in Galway city, businesses are undoubtedly strengthening Galway’s chance of claiming this prestigious title for the city.
If you are interested in using the Irish language or becoming involved in the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, please contact us at 091 568876 or [email protected]. Please visit www.gleg.ie for more information.
