This Friday, February 23, is the closing date for nominations for Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh - Galway’s Bilingual Business award. You can nominate a business/organisation to enter the Gradam and you don’t need to be a fluent speaker to enter as Gaillimh le Gaeilge will work with you every step of the way. Log onto www.gleg.ie to enter online, free of charge.
Now in its 16th year, the Gradam, recognises and celebrates companies and organisations in Galway city that use the Irish language in their day-to-day business and who contribute to Galway’s status as Ireland’s Bilingual City and European Capital of Culture 2020.
Foireann Ghaillimh le Gaeilge is busy putting a Gradam schedule together. Bríd Ní Chonghóile, of Gaillimh le Gaeilge says they are very eager to meet with businesses and organisations who are interested in using the Irish language to create a bilingual business.
“We have over two months to prepare as adjudication will take place in mid-April, so, a very busy and exciting time ahead for all - táimid ag tnúth go mór leis!”
Avril Smith, Manager of the Eyre Square Centre, winners of Gradam 2017, speaking at a press event where the Mayor of the City of Galway launched the Gradam, encouraged any business or organisation to enter.
“The Gradam undoubtedly helped us to raise the profile of the Eyre Square Centre, it generated massive publicity both locally and nationally. Participating in the Gradam is one of the best things that we have done.”This year, the total value of the prizes and benefits is over €23,000, generously sponsored by established and well-known Galway businesses and organisations.
The main media sponsor of the Gradam is once again Galway’s favourite and most widely read newspaper, the Galway Advertiser. TG4, an stáisiúin teilifíse a thugann ‘Súil Eile’ ar an saol agus lonnaithe i gceartlár na Gaeltachta have also renewed their sponsorship for the overall winner.
The Category sponsors are as follows: Galway Bay FM, Fáilte Ireland, Snap Galway and Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Galway Chamber are also providing sponsorship to the overall winner. This year, the Gradam is delighted to welcome a new sponsor on board and they are; the award winning Social Media Agency, Lorg Media. The Gradam consists of four categories; Retail, Hospitality and Tourism, Services and Other Companies. A winner will be chosen in each category and the overall winner will be selected from the four category winners.
An Gearrliosta will be announced by Méara Chathair na Gaillimhe, an Comhairleoir Pearce Flannery on Tuesday April 24 in the O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance, NUI Galway.
The Gradam culminates with a Gala Award Ceremony in May when the category winners and overall winners will be announced.
The closing date for entries is Friday February 23 2018. Ag súil le cloisteáil uaibh.
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