Mayor of the City of Galway, Eddie Hoare, recently launched Galway’s bilingual business award, Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, at St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church (who were Gradam 2023 overall winners) and nominations for this yer are now open! Find out how to nominate a local business here...
The closing date for Gradam entries is Monday the 19th of February 2024. 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 sponsors who will be supporting each award at the prestigious Gradam this year were also announced at the ceremony, setting the stage for a year of linguistic celebration and business excellence. With a total sponsorship value of over €40,000, Gradam 24 plays a vital role in the growth of the Irish language. It encourages more businesses and organisations to embrace bilingualism in our bilingual city.
The Gradam is organised by Gaillimh le Gaeilge, the organisation dedicated to promoting the Irish language in Galway city, in partnership with The Galway Advertiser, TG4 and with the support of the Galway Chamber.
Mayor Eddie Hoare announced the main media sponsors for this year: Galway Advertiser & TG4, as well as each of the individual category sponsors: Galway Bay FM sponsor the ‘Retail Experience’ Category; Fáilte Ireland sponsor the ‘Tourism’ Category; Computer Troubleshooters sponsor the ‘Customer Service’ Category; Platform 94 sponsor the ‘Digital’ Category; Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe are sponsoring the ‘Community & Culture’ Category.
Údarás na Gaeltachta renewed their 3 year sponsorship for the miniature Gradam sculptures for each Category winner designed by the renowned artist Pádraic Reaney, and the Galway Chamber is sponsoring the overall winner. MOLSCÉAL will provide publicity for the winners. Buíochas ó chroí to all of the sponsors who are supporting the Gradam this year.
In his remarks, Mayor Eddie Hoare highlighted the pivotal role the Gradam plays in encouraging businesses and organisations to incorporate the Irish language into their operations. He remarked; "The Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh is not just an award; it's a commitment to preserving and promoting our rich linguistic heritage. Galway is a city with a unique cultural identity, and this award reflects our dedication to ensuring the Irish language remains an integral part of our business landscape."
Declan Varley, Group Editor of the Galway Advertiser, the main sponsor for the Gradam said; "In keeping with our ethos, we focus on what makes Galway special and unique, and the Gradam plays an integral role in this. Galway Advertiser will continue to support Gaillimh le Gaeilge in their endeavours."
Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Geailge, an Dr. John Breslin, spoke about the inclusivity of An Ghaeilge in our bilingual city; "Is é seo mo chéad ócáid mar Chathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge agus is mór an ónóir dom a bheith anseo inniu do sheoladh Ghradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2024. I would like to commend the businesses and organisations who have been involved in the Gradam over the years, your participation has had an incredibly positive impact on our bilingual city. It is clear from the list of categories that An Ghaeilge is not limited to just a few sectors. I’ve seen through my involvement with the PorterShed, that something as simple as a name: ‘PorterShed a hAon’ and ‘PorterShed a Dó’, can bring An Ghaeilge into the daily lives of hundreds of tech employees and their stakeholders. Gabhaim buíochas leis na hurraí go léir as a dtacaíocht agus guím gach rath ar gach duine a ghlacann páirt sa Ghradam i mbliana."
If you would like to nominate a Galway business for these awards, tap HERE.
Now in its 22nd year, Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, Galway’s own bilingual business award, recognises and celebrates companies and organisations that use the Irish language in their day-to-day business in Ireland’s Bilingual City. The Gradam is named in honour of the late Seosamh Ó hÓgartaigh, founding member and company secretary of Gaillimh le Gaeilge.
Gaillimh le Gaeilge works in association with Galway City Council, Galway Chamber and other groups in the city to promote Galway as a bilingual city. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media through the National Lottery, Galway City Council and the Galway Chamber through the Cairde scheme fund Gaillimh le Gaeilge
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