Bernie Ó Conaill, joined by his family, friends and colleagues was presented with ‘Duais Aitheantais Pheadair Uí Fhlatharta’ 
this evening by Seán Kyne TD, Aire Stáit do Ghnóthaí Pobail, Acmhainní Nádúrtha agus Forbairt Dhigiteach. The Minister of State was attending Bronnadh Ghradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2018 – Galway’s annual bilingual business awards with over 100 guests in the Salthill Hotel. This is the first time for such a presentation to be made by Bord Stiúrtha Ghaillimh le Gaeilge in Galway City.
Duais Aitheantais Pheadair Uí Fhlatharta was established by Gaillimh le Gaeilge in association with Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge, DCU. It is in memory of Dr Peadar Ó Flatharta, founding member and the first Cathaoirleach of Gaillimh le Gaeilge and is presented to a person or an organisation who have made a great effort to use the Irish language in their daily lives but who are not primarily involved with the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh award.
Speaking on Bord Stiúrtha Ghaillimh le Gaeilge nomination, Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge
Bernadette Mullarkey said:
“We nominated Bernie Ó Conaill for ‘Duais Aitheantais Pheadair Uí Fhlatharta’ because of his work promoting the Irish language in Galway. He is well known in the sporting world, in the educational sector and in the media and it is evident to those who meet him for the first time, that he holds the Irish language in high regard and that it is central to his personal and professional life.”
She went on to say: “Is ábhair bróid dúinne, chomh maith an comóradh seo a dhéanamh ar Pheadar agus ar an tréimhse a chaith sé go fial flaithiúil linn i nGaillimh le Gaeilge. Through his vision and foresight, he laid down the foundation for the growth and success of the organisation agsu bhí sé i gconaí ina chara dilís dúinn.”
Following the presentation to Bernie Ó Conaill by the Minister of State, Seán Kyne TD, of a beautiful piece of sculpture, specially designed by the renowned artist Pádraic Reaney, he said:
“Táim an-bhródúil as a bheith ainmnithe ag Bord Stiúrtha Ghaillimh le Gaeilge do ‘Duais Aitheantais Pheadair Uí Fhatharta’, go raibh míle maith agaibh. D’oibrigh mé le Peadar agus bhí an-mheas agam ar an bhfís a bhí aige don Ghaeilge go mór mór sa chathair áirithe seo. While he often expressed concern about the future of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht, he always believed that opportunities existed within the business community in Galway city that would be beneficial, both to the Irish language and to the city. I’m sure that he would be very happy with the progress that has been achieved and how visible the Irish language is in the city’s culture and business life today. Go mba fada buan sibh a chairde.”
