'Séala Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh', a new symbol for excellence in bilingualism, was launched last Thursday, 31 January by Mayor Tom Costello.

The 'Séala', developed by Gaillimh le Gaeilge in association with the Galway County and City Enterprise Board, is a quality mark and a symbol of Excellence in Bilingualism for the winners of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh and can be displayed on their stationery, brochures and websites after their win.

SEAL OF APPROVAL: Galway Chamber President Peter Allen and Charles Lynch (second right), CEO of Galway City and County Enterprise Board pictured at the launch of 'Seala Sheosaimh Ui Ogartaigh' at the Galway Chamber offices on Thursday. The 'Seala' or 'Seal' is a quality mark and a symbol of excellence in bilingualism granted to the winner of Graidam Sheosaimh Ui Ogartaigh to be displayed on their stationary, brochures and website after their win. Also pictured are Sandra and Dermot O' Connor, the first winners of the award. Photo: Declan Monaghan.

The launch of 'Séala Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh' marked the beginning of Gaillimh le Gaeilge's celebration of 21 years in business in Galway city. Launching the 'Séala', the Mayor of Galway congratulated Gaillimh le Gaeilge on its 21 years in business in Galway city and paid tribute to their "valuable contribution to Galway's unique cultural image".

"The increased usage of the Irish language among businesses in Galway can be seen in signage, placenames and in the day to day working of business in the city and environs," said Mayor Costello.

Speaking on the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh Award itself, the mayor said "this Award is indeed an important occasion in Galway's calendar of events, an Award that recognises and celebrates Galway's bilingual companies and organisations. The development of the 'Séala' is an important component of the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh Award and will strengthen and reinforce the Award's reputation as the best in bilingualism."

He concluded by saying, "It is important that we continue to develop and sustain our unique image and I am delighted with the efforts currently taking place between Galway City Council, the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Gaillimh le Gaeilge to gain Bilingual status for Galway city. I would hope to see Bilingual status for Galway by the end of this year or early 2009. Galway City Council will continue to support the work of Gaillimh le Gaeilge in promoting the use of the Irish language in every way we can and I wish Gaillimh le Gaeilge every success in the years to come".

The Séala was developed in association with the Galway County and City Enterprise Board, with the boards' Chief Executive Officer Charles Lynch present at the launch.

Mr Lynch said the boards were delighted to be associated wiith the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh Award and stressed the benefits of using Irish in the workplace.

Speaking about the new development, Leas-Chathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, Joe Greaney welcomed the support of the Galway County and City Enterprise Board.

"It is fantastic that we can develop such a symbol as 'Séala Oifigiúil Ghradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh' at this early stage of the Gradam's development and this is due to the valuable support of the Galway City and County Enterprise Board.

"We are 21 years in business this year and we all have seen a lot of changes and developments in the city during that time, some good and some not so good. Nevertheless, Galway has still has managed to retain her uniqueness and her reputation as a city for the arts and culture, traditional music and the Irish language. As a lot of you are aware of, one of the aims of Gaillimh le Gaeilge is to gain bilingual status for Galway city," said Mr Greaney, adding that he hoped this aim would be achieved soon as it would be of such benefit to Galway.

The 'Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh' is an annual business award organised in association with the Galway Chamber that recognises companies and organisations which have incorporated the Irish language into their daily business and by doing so, have contributed to the promotion of Galway as a bilingual city. The award features two categories – companies with less than twenty employees and companies with more than twenty employees.