Businesses bringing Irish to the fore

AS OIREACHTAS na Samhna was starting to gain pace around Killarney town and one of its host venues – The Brehon Hotel – Glór na nGael, Kerry County Council, 2018 Bliain na Gaeilge, and a wide range of sponsors including The Kerryman were in the hotel last week to pay tribute to businesses doing their level best to promote the Irish language.

Gradam Gnó Chiarraí’s winners were named on Thursday last, with each winner picking up an advertising and monetary package worth €500 and a beautiful commemorative slate plaque. Of the nine companies nominated for prizes, there were five winners, including Tralee-based Mac Domhnail Dental, who took The Kerryman-sponsored Gradam Seirbhísí. Marcas Mac Domhnaill was thrilled to pick up the accolade, which was proudly supported by this newspaper.

“It’s a big honour to pick up a prize awarded after monitoring businesses who use Irish, and it puts us on an equal footing with some big names,” he said.

“We’ve been putting in a big effort to have the language to the fore and making ourselves a bilingual practice, and bit by bit we’re getting there.

“I suppose it’s nice to have that option there because some people can be a bit nervous going to the dentist, so if they want to use Irish, it’s nice to have the option of using it if that makes them comfortable. We get a lot of custom from the Gaeltacht but also from outside the Gaeltacht and particularly Tralee and north Kerry.”

Comhar Chreidmheasa Chorca Dhuibhne also picked up a Gradam Seibhísí, while Brian de Staic won a Gradam Turasóireachta; and Aniar TV and Bricín took Gradaim Gaeltachta and Iar-Ghaeltachta respectively.

Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge Chomhairle Contae Chiarraí Roibeard Ó hEartáin was delighted with the night and underlined the importance of the ceremony.

‘Use of Irish creates a distinctive image that can give your business a marketing edge and attract new customers,” he said. “The Irish-speaking and Gaeltacht communities are often looking for services in their language and it is worthwhile catering for these growing audiences”

ABOVE: The winners of Gradam Gnó Chiarraí 2018 were announced during Oireachtas na Samhna on Thursday, November 1. These awards give recognition to businesses that use Irish in their work throughout the year. Pictured at the presentation of the awards are (front from left), Micheal O’Cinneide and Ruth Ui Ogain, Comhar Chreidmheas Chorca Dhuibhne; Roibeard Ó hEartáin and Cabrini De Barra, Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge Chomhairle Contae Chiarraí; and Rachel Ni Riada. BACK: Brendan Kennelly, Sean Mac Uidhir, Bricín, Killarney; Tomas Hayes; Mairead and Brian De Staic; Marcus MacDomhnaill and Maire Ui Shiocru, MacDomhnaill Dental; Niamh Ni Bhaoil and Dara Javch, Aniar TV; and Tadhg Evans, The Kerryman.

Pictured at the presentation of the awards are front from left, Cabrini De Barra, Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge Chomhairle Contae Chiarraí; Tadhg Evans from proud sponsors, The Kerryman; Maire Uí Shiocrú and Marcus Mac Domhnaill from Mac Domhnaill Dental, Tralee; and Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge Chomhairle Contae Chiarraí Roibeard Ó hEartáin.