As part of the Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations, the Deputy Mayor of the city of Galway, Cllr John Walsh, announced a mix of 12 businesses and organisations as the finalists for Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2015 at a press event in the Eyre Square Centre. Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, Galway’s annual bilingual business award, is organised by Gaillimh le Gaeilge in association with the Galway Advertiser and with support from The Irish Times and the Galway Chamber.
Speaking at the event; Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, Iggy Ó Muircheartaigh stated that the moltóirí were particularly impressed by the ‘Seirbhís i nGaeilge’ that many of the nominees have developed within their businesses as well as their ‘sense of pride’ in doing so.
They were also excited by the fresh new outlook and innovative methods the nominees have adapted to seamlessly incorporate the language into their businesses. The language is departing from literal translations to a more organic use of Irish in everyday business. The commitment by the nominees to the language is encouraging others and seeing it extend beyond the boundaries of their own businesses to further afield.
The following companies were selected for the Gradam Gearrliosta 2015:
In the retail category, sponsored by Galway Bay FM the finalists are:
Áil Rúin, CARA Pharmacy and Beauty, Faherty Paints, Joyce’s Supermarket, Knocknacarra and Peter Murphy Lighting & Electrical.
In the tourism and hospitality category, sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, the finalists are:
Brasserie on the Corner and Claddagh and Celtic Jewellery.
In the services category, sponsored by Snap Galway, the finalists are:
Cope Galway, Súil Nua Architecture Ltd and Tí Tighe Fascinators 7 Fáiscín.
In the other companies category, sponsored by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, the finalists are:
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Bhóthar na Trá – Cnoc na Cathrach and iSupply.
Cllr John Walsh, who represented the Mayor of the City of Galway presented each finalist with a Gradam certificate and commended the nominees for all the work they do to promote the Irish language in the city. Saying: ‘Your efforts greatly contribute to ensuring that the Irish language is a living language and an integral part of our city’.
He also noted that with 11 businesses entering the Gradam for the very first time, highlighted the growing interest and importance of the Irish language to the city and it also shows the ‘commitment and continued support of Galway businesses to the language and to the success of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh’.
Gaillimh le Gaeilge thanked all of their sponsors: The Galway Advertiser, Fáilte Ireland, Galway Bay FM, Snap Galway, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, The Irish Times, TravelGalway.com, The Solution Guys, ARÓ, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Galway Chamber for their support to the Gradam. The total value of the sponsorship for the Gradam is in excess of €16,000.
Minister of State, at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Joe McHugh TD, will present the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh Award at a special awards ceremony on Thursday, April 16 at 6.30 pm in the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill.
