Anticipation is building as the final days approach before the announcement of this year’s Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh winners. The prestigious bilingual business awards will be marked by a special awards ceremony on this coming Monday, May 25, at the Galway Bay Hotel. Gaillimh le Gaeilge is honoured to welcome Her Excellency, President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, as Guest of Honour, and delighted that Minister for the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, will unveil this year’s Gradam winners and announce the new Tribe of Galway City.
A celebration of the Irish language in Gaillimh
As Galway continues to strengthen its position as a Baile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta, Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh celebrates the positive impact of the Irish language on the city’s business and cultural life. The awards highlight the vital contribution of local businesses and organisations in supporting Galway’s Irish-language heritage and unique bilingual identity.
As excitement builds ahead of the awards ceremony, a special Lón Gnó took place on Wednesday, 13th May at MacNeill’s Gastro Pub, Eyre Square. The event brought together this year’s Gradam Gearrliosta, creating an opportunity to connect, share bilingual experiences and network in an informal and welcoming atmosphere.
Bríd Ní Chonghóile, Príomh fheidhmeannach, Gaillimh le Gaeilge said “Tá muid ag súil go mór leis an oíche speisialta seo agus tá muid thar a bheith sásta fáilte a chur roimh A Soilse, Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, agus an tAire Gaeltachta, Dara Calleary TD, chuig buaicphointe na bliana do Ghaillimh le Gaeilge.
The Gradam provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the exceptional work being carried out by businesses and organisations across Galway City and reflects the city’s continued commitment to its role as a Baile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta.
It comes as no surprise to us to see the continuing influence of Gaeltacht Chonamara on the strength of the Irish language in Galway city. Many of the nominees have Gaeltacht roots, while others come from a wide range of countries and backgrounds. All are contributing to Galway’s unique bilingual identity, demonstrating how the Irish language continues to thrive, evolve, and connect communities across the city.”
Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2026 – An Gearrliosta
Retail Experience Category (sponsored by Galway Bay FM )
Kinvara Skincare, Just Art It
Tourism Category (sponsored by Fáilte Ireland )
Daróg Wine Bar, Galway Food Tours, Micil Distillery
Customer Service Category (sponsored by Computer Troubleshooters Galway )
McSwiggan’s Steak + Seafood Restaurant, Plámás, Soundtrack & Podcast
Digital Category (sponsored by Platform 94 )
DUINE, Irish Citylink, Smart Medical, The Little Siopa, Thrive with Marian,
Community & Culture Category (sponsored by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, University of Galway )
Club Seoltóireachta Húicéir na Gaillimhe, CREW, Tribes Press
Awards and Recognition
Each category winner receives:
A €2,000 business support package
A replica of the Gradam sculpture sponsored by Údarás na Gaeltachta
The overall winner, selected from the five category winners, will receive:
An advertising package from the Galway Advertiser
A publicity package from TG4
Memberships of Galway Chamber and Gaillimh le Gaeilge
A unique sculpture by artist Pádraic Reaney symbolising the Fourteen Tribes of Galway with one tribe standing out to represent the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh winner — and all future winners.
Total prize value exceeds €40,000.
Na Moltóirí
An independent panel of judges includes:
Éanna Ó hÓgartaigh, son of the late Seosamh Ó hÓgartaigh, who the award is named after,
Margaret Jenkins, Wild Atlantic Way Team Manager, Fáilte Ireland
Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin, Galway Bay FM
Stay connected
For updates, follow Gaillimh le Gaeilge on social media using #GradamGleG on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
