An bhfuil spéis agat an Ghaeilge a úsáid i do ghnó? Are you interested in using Irish in your business? Well the 2023 Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh by Gaillimh le Gaeilge celebrates just that!
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Clodagh Higgins has unveiled this year’s sponsors for Gradam 2023 at a press event hosted by Gaillimh le Gaeilge in the Galway Chamber, with some incredible prizes on offer for local businesses who make an effort to encourage the use of the Irish language.
The closing date for Gradam entries is Friday the 17th of February 2023, so make sure you get your nominations in soon! All that is required at this stage of the Gradam process is to fill out a short online application form and Foireann Ghaillimh le Gaeilge will be in touch to prepare you for the awards. To enter the Gradam log onto www.gleg.ie for more information or contact the office at 091 568876. It’s free of charge and you can nominate your own business/organisation or another business/organisation that is based in Galway city!
The Mayor commended all of the Gradam sponsors for their ongoing support and commitment to Galway’s own Bilingual Business award - Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh. The Gradam is a recognition and a celebration of businesses and organisations in Galway city that incorporate the Irish language in a number of ways or in all aspects of their operations. It includes marketing, signage, advertising, websites, social media, as well as services that provide a Seirbhís i nGaeilge for those wishing to do business in Irish.
Speaking at the launch, the Mayor of Galway said; "I wish to congratulate all of you here today for your support of the Gradam, both this year and in previous years. The Galway Chamber has been involved in the award since its inception 21 years ago. The Gradam is named after their former president Seosamh Ó hÓgartaigh. He was also founding member and company secretary of Gaillimh le Gaeilge. The Galway Advertiser has also played an instrumental role in the development and success of the Gradam during this time too. Údarás na Gaeltachta joined the Gradam family in 2007 and TG4 in 2016. Over the years, the Gradam and everyone involved with it have contributed significantly to Galway's cultural history and official status as a bilingual city, an achievement we all take pride in. I wish the Gradam and Gaillimh le Gaeilge continued success into the future."
The Mayor then proceeded to announce all of the Gradam sponsors for 2023, with sponsorship worth over €27,000! The main media sponsor for this year is once again the Galway Advertiser. TG4 and MOLSCÉAL are also on board, as well as all the category sponsors which are Galway Bay FM for the ‘Retail Experience’ Category; Fáilte Ireland sponsors of ‘Tourism’ Category, Computer Troubleshooters sponsors of the ‘Customer Service’ Category, the Galway Technology Centre sponsors of the ‘Digital Presence’ category, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe are sponsoring the ‘Community & Culture’ Category.
Údarás na Gaeltachta sponsors the miniature Gradam sculptures for each category winner designed by the renowned artist Pádraic Reaney, and the Galway Chamber is sponsoring the overall winner. Gradam 2023 has received over €27,000 in sponsorship this year!
Businesswoman Maureen Duggan of KD Autoparts, the overall winner of Gradam 2022, encourages companies and organisations to take part; "Bhí áthas an domhain orainn i KD Autoparts a bheith ainmnithe mar bhuaiteoir foriomlán Ghradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh in 2022. Taking part in the Gradam has been a wonderful experience for us in KD Autoparts and we would encourage any business or organisation in Galway to get involved. The cost to us has been minimal but the benefits are huge. We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to Gaillimh le Gaeilge for all their support throughout the Gradam process."
Gearóidín Hynes, Oifigeach Tograí/Projects Manager, Gaillimh le Gaeilge said;
"There's no need to worry about your Irish fluency or whether your company currently uses Irish. Foireann Ghaillimh le Gaeilge will assist you every step of the way with our Gaeilge sa Ghnó/Irish in Business service. This is as a free bespoke service to support and guide you throughout the bilingual process. As part of the review, we will examine your business's visual image, signage, marketing materials, social media, advertising. You will then receive suggestions and feedback as well as a free translation service to incorporate Irish into your business or organisation."
