On the hottest day of the year, Gaillimh le Gaeilge welcomed supporters, partners and Cairde members to its annual Fulacht Fiadh summer barbecue at the Ardilaun Hotel.
The event provided an opportunity to acknowledge the many businesses, organisations and individuals who work alongside Gaillimh le Gaeilge throughout the year to promote the use of the Irish language, strengthen Galway's identity as a bilingual city and support its role as a Gaeltacht Service Town. It also marked the conclusion of the organisation's programme of summer bilingual events before activities resume in September.
Among those in attendance were Deputy Mayor Cllr Josie Forde, Cllr Frank Fahy, Cllr Terry O'Flaherty, Cllr John McDonagh and Cllr Niall McNelis, and Eoin Ó Droighneáin, principal officer with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Through National Lottery funding, the Department continues to play a vital role as the principal funder of Gaillimh le Gaeilge, enabling the organisation to advance the everyday use of Irish throughout Galway city.
"Gaillimh le Gaeilge has a small but dedicated team, but no matter how committed or effective an organisation may be, lasting change only happens when the wider community believes in what you're trying to achieve," Bríd Ní Chonghóile, príomhfheidhmeannach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, said at the event.
"Without the support, goodwill and buy-in of the people, businesses and organisations of Galway, our work would simply not be possible," she added. "Every business that chooses to use Irish, every partner that supports our bilingual initiatives and every individual who champions an Ghaeilge helps make Galway a stronger, more vibrant bilingual city. For that support, tá muid an-bhuíoch."
Paul Stewart, managing director of Stewart Construction, attended the event with his wife, Claire, and their children. Stewart Construction has sponsored the event since the first barbecue, demonstrating the company’s longstanding commitment to supporting Gaillimh le Gaeilge and the Irish language in Galway.
As the Galway-based company prepares to celebrate 125 years in business in 2027, its partnership and valuable contribution to promoting and supporting the Irish language in Galway were recognised during the afternoon.
The gathering also recognised the continued support of Galway Executive Skillnet, represented by Eamonn Molloy, which works with businesses across the region to provide leadership development, management training and networking opportunities. Also acknowledged was KD Autoparts, one of Galway's leading motor parts suppliers and winners of the 2022 Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, for its ongoing commitment to supporting the Irish language in business.
The event also celebrated the achievements of a number of the 2026 Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh participants, including overall winner Elena Santos of Just Art It, category winners Marian Ní Chonghaile of Thrive with Marian, and Colm Ó Cinsealla of Club Seolteoireacht Húicéirí na Gaillimhe. They were joined by many Cairde members from across Galway's business and Irish-language communities.
Music from Mike Stewart, Fergal Ó Conaire and Marie Fahey created a wonderful atmosphere throughout the afternoon. Following numerous requests from guests to know the name of the trio, they officially christened themselves 'Teach Allais' during the event.
The weather kept everyone guessing with sunshine, heat, thunder and even a brief shower, but spirits remained high throughout. The team at the Ardilaun Hotel ensured guests enjoyed excellent food and hospitality, helping to make it a memorable afternoon.
The annual summer barbecue reflects the strength of the partnerships that continue to support the use of the Irish language across Galway. With activities resuming in September, Gaillimh le Gaeilge looks forward to building on these partnerships and continuing to work with businesses, organisations and communities to strengthen Galway's role as a vibrant bilingual city and Gaeltacht Service Town.
