The shortlist for Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh was officially announced by the Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Pearce Flannery at a press event in Téatar Uí Chearbhalláin, Áras na Gaeilge, NUI Galway.
Fifteen Galway based businesses and organisations from a variety of sectors were named on this year’s shortlist, all who have made the Irish language an integral part of their story.
The judges were impressed by everyone’s bilingual efforts and their commitment to the Irish language but what really stood out in the businesses selected for the shortlist, was that progress can be seen and measured from their previous entrants and the standard of the new entrants to the Gradam is quite high.
Their investment in the Irish language whether it be in new signs, new stationery, in publicity & marketing or in their innovative approach of letting their customers know, that they can offer a ‘Serbhís Trí Ghaeilge.’
Gaillimh le Gaeilge has organised Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh for the past 16 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.
At the event, President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán ó hÓgartaigh launched, ‘Duais Aitheantais Pheadair Uí Fhlatharta’ on behalf of Bord Stiúrtha Gaillimh le Gaeilge in association with ‘Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge’, DCU.
Peadar was the first Cathaoirleach and founding member of Gaillimh le Gaeilge and he laid down the foundation for the growth and success of the organisation.
Speaking at the press event, Bernadette Mullarkey, Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge said:
“Bord Stiúrtha Gaillimh le Gaeilge are proud to commemorate Peadar here today and the time he generously spent with us in Gaillimh le Gaeilge.
“He was a deep thinker, with foresight who always had a long term goal in mind. He steered the organisation prudently and was always a loyal friend.”
A beautiful piece of sculpture was especially designed by the renowned artist Pádraic Reaney, a good friend of Peadar. IT will be presented to a person or an organisation who have made a great effort to use the Irish language but who are not primarily involved with the work of Gaillimg le Gaeilge or indeed Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh.
Bord Stiúrtha Gaillimh le Gaeilge will choose the nominees and it will be presented for the first time at the presentation of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2018 in late May.
After the announcement of ‘Duais Aitheantas Pheadair Uí Fhlatharta’, the Mayor of the Cirt of Galway, Cllr. Pearce Flannery presented a certificate to all of the businesses on the shortlist and he praised their work using the Irish language in the city.
These businesses were selected for the Shortlist of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh.
Retail Category, sponsored by Galway Bay FM:
Aunty Nellie’s Sweet Shop, High Street, Corrib Shopping Centre, Eyre Square, KD Autoparts, Ballybane, Kenny’s Bookshop and Art Galleries Ltd, Liosbán.
Tourism & Hospitality, sponsored by Fáilte Ireland:
56 Central, Shop Street, Harbour Hotel, New Dock Road, The Connacht Hotel, Dublin Road.
Services Category, sponsored by Snap Galway:
Big O Taxis, Eyre Square, Colm’s Life Pharmacy, Salthill, Galvia West Medical Centre, Westside, Swaine Solicitors, Knocknacarra, Sweeney Oil, Headford Road.
Other Companies Category, sponsored by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge.
Babóró, International Arts Festival for Children, Merchant’s Road, Galway City Business Association, Francis Street, iSupply, Sea Road.
Cathaoirleach Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Bernadette Mullarkey congratulated all of the businesses on the shortlist and praised their efforts strengthening the cultural bilingual brand of the city.
