The following information is supplied from the website Menlo Park Hotel Galway (www.menloparkhotel.com)

AN INFORMATION EVENING ON  Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh
Oscailte d’Ainmniúchán anois!
G Graham AwardGaillimh le Gaeilge, in association with the Menlo Park Hotel, Terryland, Galway will host an information evening on Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh at 6.30pm-7.30pm, Tuesday, the 24th of January 2012. This prestigious award ‘recognises’, ‘honours’ and ‘celebrates’ all the great bilingual work done in Galway City and is named in honour of Seosamh Ó hÓgartaigh, founding member and company secretary of Gaillimh le Gaeilge.

This award is the perfect opportunity for any business to put themselves out there as a company who is proud to use the Irish language in their business. Gaillimh le Gaeilge provides a ‘Gaeilge sa Ghnó’ service, free of charge to help businesses/organistaions prepare for the Gradam.  If you would like more information on this free service, please contact Gaillimh le Gaeilge on 091 568876 or email gearoidin@gleg.ie.

This year, the Gradam features four categories which was recently unveiled by the Deputy Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Frank Fahy; Retail, Hospitality & Tourism, Services and Other Companies. A winner will be chosen in each category and the overall winner will be selected from the four category winners. The Information Evening will provide you with an excellent opportunity to chat with previous Gradam winners and find out how they went about achieving it.  Moltóirí an Ghradaim will speak on the adjudaction process and foireann Ghaillimh le Gaeilge will be happy to answer any questions and show you what to do in order to prepare for the Gradam.  David Keane, Menlo Park Hotel, will also speak about winning Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh and how it has helped strengthen the hotel’s  brand and promote it. Application forms will be made available on the evening and refreshments will also be provided.

Gaillimh le Gaeilge will also welcome the renewed commitment from Údarás na Gaeltachta, who are sponsoring the replicas of the Gradam designed by the renowned artist Pádraic Reaney. They join an already established group of Galway sponsors including. They join an already established group of Galway sponsors including Galway Advertiser, D’Arcy Marketing and PR, Fáilte Ireland, Galway Chamber, Galway Bay FM, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway and Snap Galway. The total value of the prizes and benefits provided by the local businesses is in excess of €19,000.

It is not essential to be a fluent speaker to participate in this prestigious award. The Gradam is now to companies and organisations that are registered and doing business in Galway city and not involved primarily in the promotion of the Irish language or subject to the Official Languages Act 2003 until Thursday 9th February 2012.  Contact Gaillimh le Gaeilge for a brochure or you can enter online at www.gleg.ie