The search is on to find the new tribe of Galway.
Gaillimh le Gaeilge was delighted to welcome on board a new sponsor, MOLSCÉAL, for Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2019. Developed by TG4, MOLSCÉAL is the first ever app that provides short form video content for the Irish language speaking community all in one place. Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh will feature on the app over the coming months. The Gradam, Galway’s bilingual business award, was officially launched by the Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Níall McNelis and is now open for nominations to businesses and organisations based in Galway city until Friday the 22nd of February. 
Speaking at the press event the Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Níall McNelis announced all of the Gradam sponsors for the coming year and said:
“It is fantastic to see a new sponsor supporting Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, bringing with them a new energy so that you’ll continue to develop and grow, but I also think it’s equally important that you keep your current sponsors. The Galway Advertiser is the Gradam’s main supporter, so with the highest circulating local newspaper in the country backing you, it’s no surprise then that the Gradam is such a success. I’m also delighted that TG4 are back on board for 2019, as well as all of the category sponsors and they are as follows; Galway Bay FM – the Retail Category; Fáilte Ireland – the Tourism and Hospitality Category; Snap Galway – the Services Category and Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge,OÉ Gaillimh – the Other Companies Category. The Gradam has a strong list of sponsors with a great business package worth over €23,000 euros – comhghairdeas libh.”
The Mayor announced Údarás na Gaeltachta as sponsors of the miniature versions of the Gradam which will be presented to the category winners as well as the Galway Chamber who will provide sponsorship to the overall winner.
Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, is now officially launched and marks 17 years of the hugely successful award which has attracted many well-known Galway businesses over the years. Businesses and organisations based in Galway city who are using ‘an Ghaeilge’ in their day to day business, can now enter online and free of charge at www.gleg.ie. You can nominate your own business or organisation and you can also nominate another business or organisation that use the Irish language in the city.
Bernadette Mullarkey, Cathaoirleach of Gaillimh le Gaeilge, thanked all of the sponsors supporting the Gradam and said:
“Our message today to any business or organisation who is considering entering Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh this year – UNESCO year of Indigenous Languages, téigh ar aghaidh agus tabhair faoi – go for it! Participants in the Gradam are key to Galway’s bilingual future which is important in the lead up to our year as European Capital of Culture. Your work will ensure that visitors and locals alike, enjoy a truly unique cultural experience here in our city.”
Declan Varley, Group Editor of the Galway Advertiser also spoke and said that the Galway Advertiser is delighted to be associated with the awards.
“By highlighting the magic of the Irish language, Gaillimh le Gaeilge have made Galway different. They add to the mixture. Galway is one big melting pot of difference and it is that juxtaposition of all these languages, ambitions and outlooks, that makes it great. The Galway Advertiser is delighted to continue supporting this campaign to keep Galway different and fresh, not just this year but long into the future.”
Gaillimh le Gaeilge is currently putting a schedule together and would love to meet with businesses and organisations who are interested in using the Irish language to create a bilingual business. The closing date for Gradam entries is Friday the 22nd of February 2019. They will examine various possibilities in terms of the use of Irish in your business or organisation and you have over 10 weeks to prepare for the adjudication which will take place in mid-April.
Click HERE to enter online or contact 091 568876.
Check out this video to see what the Connacht Hotel said about winning Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2018:
