Bord Stiúrtha Ghaillimh le Gaeilge are honoured to be nominated as winners for – Galway People of the Year Award 2017.
All of the winners were nominated by members of the public for their work in a variety of fields which contributed to the betterment of the lives of people in their communities. The winners were announced at a press reception in the Galway Bay Hotel last month by the adjudication panel of Mary Bennett and Jack McCann and awards organiser Ollie Robinson.
Since its establishment, Gaillimh le Gaeilge has achieved success within the business community in Galway in raising the visibility and promoting the use of the Irish language on a day-to-day basis in the City. ‘Cairde Ghaillimh le Gaeilge’ and ‘Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh’, have proved effective in reaching a wide target audience with a friendly and open approach and in bringing the Irish language to the fore of Galway City life. The use of the Irish language gives Galway its unique selling point. It plays an important role in creating Galway’s vibrant atmosphere and reputation as a city of culture and the widespread use of ‘an Ghaeilge’ has helped to earn her status as European Capital of Culture 2020.
The Bord Stiúrtha of Gaillimh le Gaeilge is made up of individuals and organisational representatives who either have a specific remit in relation to the language or who have a keen interest in promoting the Irish language in Galway City. Members of the Bord Stiúrtha work in organisations such as TG4, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh, Coláiste Naomh Seosamh (the ‘Bish’) Stewart Construction, Bane Mullarkey and Altocloud.
Through the leadership, dedication and vision of the current Board members, as well as former members of the Bord Stiúrtha, the organisation has achieved success within the business community in Galway in raising the visibility and promoting the use of the Irish language.
Securing bilingual status for Galway City has been the main aim and focus for Gaillimh le Gaeilge for the past number of years. In September 2015, Galway City Councillors unanimously agreed a motion to bestow bilingual Status on the city and in March of the following year, Uachtarán na hÉireann, Micheál D. Ó hUigínn officiated at a ceremony in Galway City Council to celebrate ‘Cathair na Gaillimhe/The City of Galway’ as a Bilingual City.
Speaking about the award, Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, Bernadette Mullarkey said:
“Is mór an onóir do Bhord Stiúrtha Ghaillimh le Gaeilge an gradam speisialta seo a fháil agus glacaimid leis go bródúil. We are very proud to accept this award, not just on behalf of the current Bord Stiúrtha but for all those members who have given their time ‘go fial flaithiúil do Ghaillimh le Gaeilge’ over the years. We would like to take this opportunity to pay a special tribute to the founding member and the first Cathaoirleach, of Gaillimh le Gaeilge, an Dr Peadar Ó Flatharta (nach maireann). Peadar laid down the foundation for the growth and success of Gaillimh le Gaeilge and he was always a great Cara of the organisation.”
Bríd Ní Chonghóile, Ardfheidhmeannach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge said:
“It’s always great for any business or organisation to receive recognition because of their work but this award holds a special honour for Gaillimh le Gaeilge, as it comes from the people of Galway. Mar fhoireann, táimid fiorbhródúil as.”
Gaillimh le Gaeilge also promote spoken Irish through various business networking events, including a monthly ‘lón gnó’ and seasonal events. They assume a lobbying and advocacy role, promoting recognition and use of the language in City structures like tourism agencies, business groups etc. If you would like more information about Gaillimh le Gaeilge, visit our website – www.gleg.ie or contact us on 091 568876.
