The finalists of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh were officially announced by the Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Noel Larkin at a press event in the Eyre Square Centre on Tuesday.
Twelve Galway-based businesses and organisations from a variety of sectors were named on this year’s Gearrliosta, all who have made the Irish language an integral part of their story. Gaillimh le Gaeilge has organised Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, for the past 15 years in association with the Galway Advertiser and with support from the Galway Chamber, which celebrates the outstanding efforts of the business community in Galway that use the language in their business.
The following businesses were selected for the Gradam Gearrliosta 2017:
In the Retail category, sponsored by Galway Bay FM the finalists are:
Eyre Square Centre, Mary’s Fish, Sweeney Oil, Thomas Woodberrys
In the Tourism & Hospitality category, sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, the finalists are:
Clayton Hotel Galway, The Connacht Hotel
In the Services category, sponsored by Snap Galway, the finalists are:
Cross Street Dental, Lorg Media.
In the Other Companies category, sponsored by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, the finalists are: Carey Developments, Kenny’s Bookshop, Micil Poitín, PorterShed.
The Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Noel Larkin 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:
“It’s great to see that businesses and organisations across a wide range of sectors continue to use the Irish language and feel that the Irish language can work for them, ensuring the success of the Gradam and our bilingual city. Our continued use of the Irish language is also of particular importance with the European Capital of Culture 2020 on the way.”
Speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, Bernadette Mullarkey congratulated all of the nominees and said
“This year, the moltóirí were impressed by the passion and enthusiasm for the Irish language. This came across in quirky and innovate ways in which the nominees brought the Irish language to life. But what really stood out for all of them was how some of the you influenced other businesses to use the Irish language as well.”
Speaking on behalf of the main sponsors, the Galway Advertiser, group editor Declan Varley said that the newspaper is delighted to support the initiative which keeps Galway different.
“By highlighting the magic of the Irish language, Gaillimh le Gaeilge have made Galway different.
“Through competitions such as the Gradam, Gaillimh le Gaeilge encourage Galway businesses to be unique, to use Irish on their menus, to be adventurous with their signs and their marketing. The Advertiser is delighted to continue supporting this campaign to keep Galway different and fresh,” he said.
Gaillimh le Gaeilge thanked all of their local and national sponsors: The Galway Advertiser, TG4, Fáilte Ireland, Galway Bay FM, Snap Galway, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, ARÓ, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Galway Chamber for their support to the Gradam. The total value of the sponsorship package for the Gradam is worth in excess of €23,000.
Minister for the Gaeltacht Seán Kyne, TD will announce the category winners and overall winners of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh at a special awards ceremony in the Salthill Hotel on Monday May 15.
