The Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Frank Fahy, announced at ‘Cóisir Nollag Chairde Ghaillimh le Gaeilge’ that bilingual status will be bestowed on Galway City early in 2016.
Securing bilingual status for Galway city has been the main focus for Gaillimh le Gaeilge for the past few years. Galway city councillors agreed a motion in September this year and will officially declare the bilingual status early in 2016.
Speaking at the event, the Mayor of the City of Galway said bilingual status will be a fitting tribute to centenary celebrations of the Easter Rising taking place next year and will also provide a competitive advantage in Galway's bid for European Capital of Culture 2020.
"The Irish language was central to the ideals of the Easter Rising and will play an important role in the celebrations through ‘An Teanga Bheo’, the Irish language strand of the Ireland 2016 centenary programme which will be led by Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Joe McHugh TD. The strength and support for the language in the city is something that I believe that Éamonn Ceannt and Pádraig Mac Piarais would be proud of.”
Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, Iggy Ó Muircheartaigh welcomed the announcement from the Mayor.
“Is iontach an scéal é seo do Ghaillimh le Gaeilge agus don Ghaeilge ar aon agus muid ag dul isteach sa bhliain nua. Cuirim fáilte ar leith roimh an bhfógra go mbeidh Coiste Stiúrtha á bhunú chomh maith, le forbairt agus feidhmiú an stádais a phlé. Tabharfaidh an Stádas seasamh faoi leith do ról na Gaeilge i saol na cathrach seo.”
‘Cóisir Nollag Chairde Ghaillimh le Gaeilge’ officially concludes Gaillimh le Gaeilge events for the year. This annual event is hosted by Gaillimh le Gaeilge to say a ‘Míle Buíochas’ to all their Cairde and supporters who have helped them in the promotion of the Irish language in Galway in order to gain Bilingual Status for the city. Among the Cairde in attendance were: Steve Ó Cualáin, Príomhfheidhmeannach Údarás na Gaeltachta, Maeve Joyce, Bainisteoir Chumann Tráchtála na Gaillimhe, Dr. Aodhán Mac Cormaic and Séamas Mac Giolla Chomhaill, An Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta, Galway City Councillors as well as Stiúrthóirí and Cairde Ghaillimh le Gaeilge.
There is another busy year in store for Gaillimh le Gaeilge in 2016. Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, Galway’s bilingual business Awards, will commence with a press event on Monday January 18 at 12.30 pm. This prestigious award is now open to businesses and organisations based in Galway not involved primarily in the promotion of the Irish language or subject to the Official Languages Act 2003.
Gaillimh le Gaeilge provides a ‘Gaeilge sa Ghnó’ service, free of charge to help businesses/organisations prepare for the Gradam. If you would like more information about Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, please contact Gaillimh le Gaeilge on 091 568876, [email protected] or visit www.gleg.ie You can follow Gaillimh le Gaeilge on Facebook and Twitter.
