The excitement mounts as 16 Galway businesses and organisations have been selected as finalists for Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2024. The Gradam which celebrates bilingual excellence in business, is organised by Gaillimh le Gaeilge in partnership with the Galway Advertiser, TG4 and Galway Chamber.
The Moltóirí convened on Monday morning in the Galway Chamber for the first phase of the adjudication process. Gearóidín Hynes, Bainisteoir Tograí of Gaillimh le Gaeilge said that the Moltóirí had a difficult task this morning in selecting the Gearrliosta because all of the nominees have demonstrated a genuine commitment to bilingual Galway with a strong focus on providing a ‘Seirbhís trí Ghaeilge.’
Speaking on behalf of the Moltóirí, Aelmuire Ní Ógartaigh said:
“Tá sé go hiontach a fheiceáil go bhfuil an Gradam ag dul i dtreise i gcónaí. It wasn’t an easy task to select the Gearrliosta this morning. It is clear that great work is being done to promote the Irish language in the city and it was also great to see that a service through Irish is available as widely as it is. Comhghairdeas to all the businesses and organisations on the Gearrliosta and we look forward to our visit in the coming weeks.”
Gearrliosta Ghradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2024 are as follows:
- Retail Experience category, sponsored by Galway Bay FM:
Just Art It and St. Vincent de Paul, Westside - Tourism category, sponsored by Fáilte Ireland:
Daróg Wine Bar, Lally Tours, The Hardiman and Tribe Gin School
- Customer Service category, sponsored by Computer Troubleshooters Galway:
Murphy & Me, Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden. - Digital category, sponsored by Platform 94:
Fluff Beag, Irish Socksciety, Wild Altantic Wicks - Community and Culture category, sponsored by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe:
Feachtas Rothaíochta na Gaillimhe, Galway Art Academy, Galway Trails, Pálás Cinema, Ospís na Gaillimhe
It is interesting to note that the tourism category had an unprecedented number of entries this year. Increasing numbers in this category illustrate how bilingualism enhances the tourist experience as well as, Galway City as a unique destination. Tourists want to see and hear our native language when they visit, therefore, businesses are increasing bilingual signage and improving on their ‘Seirbhís trí Ghaeilge’ to meet this demand.
As well as recognising and celebrating bilingual excellence, Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh Bilingual Business Award serves as an opportunity for business innovation and growth. Winning this prestigious award not only raises the profile of the company, it also inspires other companies to adopt bilingual practices as well.
The Gradam winners are selected each year by an independent panel of judges with a diverse range of expertise. This year’s judging panel includes: Aelmuire Ní Ógartaigh, daughter of the late Seosamh Ó hÓgartaigh, who the award is named after, Margaret Jenkins, Wild Atlantic Way Team Manager, Caroline Ní Fhlatharta, Oifigeach na Gaei
Gaillimh le Gaeilge would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the local and national sponsors for their invaluable support to the Gradam over the years. Go raibh míle maith agaibh a chairde: The Galway Advertiser, TG4, Fáilte Ireland, Galway Bay FM, Computer Troubleshooters Galway, Platform 94, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, MOLSCÉAL, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Galway Chamber. The total value of the sponsorship is worth more than €43,000.
