Gaillimh le Gaeilge, in association with the Galway Advertiser, is delighted to announce that 18 Galway businesses and organisations have entered Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2017. The Gearrliosta of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2017 will be announced at a press event in the Eyre Square Centre on April 11. Bronnadh Ghradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, a special awards ceremony which will be held in May to announce the category winners and the overall winner of a business package valued at €23,000, will mark the pinnacle of Gaillimh le Gaeilge’s celebrations of 30 years in business.
Speaking about the record number of new gradam entrants, Bríd Ní Chonghóile of Gaillimh le Gaeilge said, “We welcome all of these nominees, who are proud to use the Irish language on a daily basis in their business and we would like to give a special fáilte to the 14 businesses that have entered the Gradam for the very first time this year. This is highest number of new entrants ever and it reflects the growing interest and enthusiasm for the Irish language as part of our living culture since Galway was named European Capital of Culture 2020.”
“These businesses and organisations believe that the use of the Irish language is an effective way for them to put their own stamp on Galway’s Cultural reputation as well as helping to develop and strengthen our status as European Capital of Culture in 2020”.
She added, “The businesses tell us how the Wild Atlantic Way is helping them to flourish by attracting visitors to Galway and the inclusion of Irish in the retail, services and hospitality sectors enriches the cultural and Gaelic vibe in the city of the Tribes. The opportunity to hear and engage with the language as used by Galwegians in their daily lives is something that gives Galway a unique position of strength along the Wild Atlantic Way”.
An independent adjudicating panel of ‘moltóirí’ has been appointed to Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh and they are; Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Dean of UCD School of Business, Clíona Ní Mhurchú, Regional Manager, Top Oil, (Winners of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2016 ) Tony Barrett, Director, WESTBIC, and Sonya Nic Lochlainn, Corporate Services Manager, Údarás na Gaeltachta. The moltóirí will meet at the beginning of April to select the Gearrliosta agus tá Gaillimh le Gaeilge fíorbhuíoch dóibh ar fad as ucht a gcuid ama don phróiseas mholtóireachta.
The main media sponsor is once again the Galway Advertiser; the company has been proud to support the Gradam since its inception in 2002. TG4 became a sponsor for the first time last year and both media organisations are providing an advertising package for the winner. The category sponsors for Gradam 2017 are : Galway Bay FM, Fáilte Ireland, Snap Galway and Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. Údarás na Gaeltachta, ARÓ and the Galway Chamber will also provide sponsorship to the overall winner. Míle buíochas leo go léir!
All of the Gradam nominees will receive substantial publicity throughout the Gradam campaign and the overall winner will recieve the prestigious title as the 15th Tribe of Galway for the year ahead.
Na hAinmniúcháin ná/The Nominees are:
Retail Category sponsored by Galway Bay FM:
Eyre Square Centre, Mary’s Fish, Thomas Woodberrys, Sweeney Oil
Tourism & Hospitality sponsored by Fáilte Ireland:
Bar SULT, Clayton Hotel Galway, Maxwells Restaurant, The Connacht Hotel.
Services Category sponsored by Snap Galway:
Cancer Care West, Cross Street Dental, Lorg Media, The Beauty Mint
Other Companies Category sponsored by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge
Carey Developments, Galway Arts Centre, Galway Races, Micil Poitín, PorterShed, Siopa Leabhar Uí Chionnaith.
Don’t forget to follow Gaillimh le Gaeilge on Twitter and Facebook for Gradam updates.
