27 businesses and organisations across Galway city, are preparing to showcase their hard work as the presentation of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh is now only weeks away!
2020 saw a record number of entries for the Gradam with 19 of the 27 entries new to the Gradam and 8 returning. Having submitted their bilingual Pacáistí Eolais (bilingual Information Packs) on the 28th September, the businesses taking part have completed the first round to impress the Moltóirí (Adjudicators) and are one step closer to becoming The New Tribe of Galway.
Companies and organisations competing for the prestigious title include a bridal boutique, Ireland’s largest medieval parish church, a media company, as well as leading hotels and bars in Galway city.
Every year, Bord Stiúrtha Ghaillimh le Gaeilge assembles a panel of independent judges with a wide range of expertise to select the winners of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh. On the judging panel this year are: Rónán Ó hÓgartaigh, son of the late Seosamh Ó hÓgartaigh, who the award is named after, founding member and company secretary of Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Fiona Ní Fhlatharta, TG4 and Freda Nic Giolla Chatháin, Translator and former CEO of Gnó Mhaigh Eo.
For the first time ever, they will meet virtually to discuss and select the Gradam Gearrliosta and they will be published in the Galway Advertiser (the main media sponsor) on 8th October 2020.
Like the Irish language, businesses these past few months have shown great strength and resilience when faced with new challenges – which nobody was prepared for. It is an honour for Foireann Ghaillimh le Gaeilge to get to work with these hard-working businesses and organisations of Galway, who are contributing to Galway’s bilingual status and adding to the wonders of our gorgeous city.
Speaking about the Gradam, Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge Bernadette Mullarkey says:
“Comhghairdeas leis na hainmniúcháin ar fad atá ag glacadh páirte sa Ghradam i mbliana – it’s great to see the diversity of businesses and organisations taking part and we commend them for their continuous hard work especially during this extraordinary year. The visibility and the promotion of the Irish language are always key ingredients to our success as a bilingual city. We are also looking forward to presenting Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh live on Galway Bay FM in November of this year. We would like to sincerely thank Keith Finnegan, Jon Richards and the team in Galway Bay FM for this opportunity to bring the Gradam to an audience of over 45,000 people and to give all those involved a fantastic platform to promote their bilingual endeavours. Ní neart go cur le chéile.”
The total value of the sponsorship package for the Gradam is worth over €25,000 this year.
TG4 joined the Gradam in 2016, and MOLSCÉAL, TG4’s online short-form video platform joined the Gradam as a sponsor last year. The category sponsors for Gradam 2020 are as follows: Galway Bay FM, Fáilte Ireland, Video Sherpa and Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. Údarás na Gaeltachta are sponsoring the replicas of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, especially designed by the renowned artist Pádraic Reaney. The Galway Chamber will also provide sponsorship to the overall winner.
