There was a palpable sense of pride, celebration and renewal in Galway as Gaillimh le Gaeilge hosted the 2026 Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh awards, an evening that not only honoured excellence in bilingual enterprise but crowned a new cultural force within the city. In front of more than 100 guests, Just Art It was announced as the overall winner of Gradam 2026 and bestowed with the symbolic title of the 15th Tribe of Galway — a distinction that firmly places the creative collective at the heart of the city’s evolving identity.
The occasion carried an added sense of significance with the attendance of Her Excellency, President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, who was welcomed with a warm Céad Míle Fáilte by organisers, finalists and supporters alike. Throughout the evening, the President met members of the Gradam shortlist, the Bord Stiúrtha and team of Gaillimh le Gaeilge, along with representatives from Galway City Council and many of the organisation’s longstanding supporters. Her presence elevated the event beyond an awards ceremony into a moment of civic pride for Galway’s bilingual community.
At the heart of the celebration, however, was the remarkable rise of Just Art It. Already recognised earlier in the evening as winners of the Retail Experience category, sponsored by Galway Bay FM, the creative business went on to claim the overall Gradam title to thunderous applause. More than simply receiving an award, Just Art It captured the spirit of modern Galway — vibrant, creative, inclusive and deeply connected to language, culture and community.
Their recognition as the newest “Tribe of Galway” carries powerful symbolism. Historically associated with the influential merchant families who shaped the city, the title now honours organisations that embody Galway’s living culture and community values. For many attending the ceremony, Just Art It represented exactly that: a new tribe built not through politics or commerce alone, but through creativity, connection and shared cultural identity.
In many ways, their victory reflected the changing face of Galway itself. The city’s bilingual identity continues to flourish not only through traditional institutions but through businesses and organisations that weave Irish naturally into everyday life. Just Art It’s approach to creativity and customer experience demonstrated how language can become something lived and shared rather than simply preserved.
Minister for the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD praised the continued success of the Gradam awards, now in their 24th year, describing them as a vital expression of Galway’s bilingual character. He noted the diversity and innovation among this year’s finalists, highlighting the important role businesses play in keeping Irish visible and vibrant throughout the city.
Professor John Breslin, Cathaoirleach of Gaillimh le Gaeilge, echoed that sentiment in his remarks, describing the Gradam as far more than an awards programme. Instead, he said, it reflects the meaningful progress being made in strengthening Irish across every aspect of city life. The success of businesses such as Just Art It, he suggested, demonstrates how the language continues to thrive when embraced through creativity, community and everyday engagement.
The evening also celebrated excellence across a wide range of sectors. Micil Distillery claimed the Tourism category, Plámás received the award for Customer Service, Thrive with Marian won the Digital category, and Club Seoltóireachta Húicéir na Gaillimhe was honoured for Community and Culture. Meanwhile, Smart Medical received the Gradam Speisialta na Moltóirí for developing the world’s first bilingual AED system, while Kinvara Skincare was recognised for its commitment to bilingual packaging.
Yet despite the many deserving winners, it was Just Art It that emerged as the defining story of the night. Their achievement symbolised a new generation of Galway enterprise — one that values culture as much as commerce and community as much as success. In becoming the 15th Tribe of Galway, they have not only earned a prestigious title but captured the imagination of a city proud of its heritage and excited about its future.
For one unforgettable evening, Just Art It became more than a business. They became Galway’s newest tribe.
