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<\/p>\nBord Sti\u00fartha Ghaillimh le Gaeilge are honoured to be nominated as winners for – Galway People of the Year Award 2017.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0last month by the adjudication panel of Mary Bennett and Jack McCann and awards organiser Ollie Robinson.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 \u2018Cairde Ghaillimh le Gaeilge\u2019 and \u2018Gradam Sheosaimh U\u00ed \u00d3gartaigh\u2019, 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.\u00a0 The use of the Irish language gives Galway its unique selling point. It plays an important role in creating Galway\u2019s vibrant atmosphere and reputation as a city of culture and the widespread use of \u2018an Ghaeilge\u2019 has helped to earn her status as European Capital\u00a0 of Culture 2020.<\/p>\n
The Bord Sti\u00fartha 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 Sti\u00fartha work in organisations such as TG4, Acadamh na hOllscola\u00edochta Gaeilge, O\u00c9 Gaillimh, Col\u00e1iste Naomh Seosamh (the \u2018Bish\u2019) Stewart Construction, Bane Mullarkey and Altocloud.<\/p>\n
Through the leadership, dedication and vision of the current Board members, as well as former members of the Bord Sti\u00fartha, the organisation has achieved success within the business community in Galway in raising the visibility and promoting the use of the Irish language.<\/p>\n
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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, Uachtar\u00e1n na h\u00c9ireann, Miche\u00e1l D. \u00d3 hUig\u00ednn officiated at a ceremony in Galway City Council to celebrate \u2018Cathair na Gaillimhe\/The City of Galway\u2019 as a Bilingual City.<\/p>\n
Speaking about the award, Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, Bernadette Mullarkey said:<\/p>\n
\u201cIs m\u00f3r an on\u00f3ir do Bhord Sti\u00fartha Ghaillimh le Gaeilge an gradam speisialta seo a fh\u00e1il agus glacaimid leis go br\u00f3d\u00fail.\u00a0 We are very proud to accept this award, not just on behalf of the current Bord Sti\u00fartha but for all those members who have given their time \u2018go fial flaithi\u00fail do Ghaillimh le Gaeilge\u2019 over the years.\u00a0We would like to take this opportunity to pay a special tribute to the founding member and the\u00a0first Cathaoirleach, of Gaillimh le Gaeilge, an Dr Peadar \u00d3 Flatharta (nach maireann).\u00a0 Peadar laid down the foundation for the growth and success of Gaillimh le Gaeilge and he was always a great Cara of the organisation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Br\u00edd N\u00ed Chongh\u00f3ile, Ardfheidhmeannach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge said:<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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, t\u00e1imid fiorbhr\u00f3d\u00fail as.\u201d<\/p>\n