Carlow celebrates as two local businesses honoured at national Irish language awards

Carlow was proudly represented in Croke Park as two local businesses were honoured on the national stage after picking up major accolades at Gradaim Gnó na hÉireann, Ireland's flagship awards celebrating companies that champion the Irish language.

The ceremony, held at Croke Park and presented by broadcaster Daithí Ó Sé, saw a record 160 businesses recognised for placing Gaeilge at the centre of their branding, signage and customer service.

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Carlow's Eimear.ie, represented by Eimear Ní Bhraonáin, collected Gold in Signage, Bronze in Marketing & Branding, and Gold in Service.

PHOTO: In the photograph are Eimear Ní Bhraonáin from eimear.ie in Co. Carlow receiving Gradaim Gnó na hÉireann awards from Daithí Ó Sé and Lorcán Mac Gabhann, CEO of Glór na nGael. eimear.ie received a Gold Award in the Signage category, a Bronze Award in the Marketing & Branding category and a Gold Award in the Service category.

Meanwhile, SúilSiar Teoranta, represented by Feargal Máirtín, achieved an immaculate clean sweep, taking Gold in all three categories.

PHOTO: In the photograph are Feargal Máirtín from SúilSiar Teoranta. in Co. Carlow receiving Gradaim Gnó na hÉireann awards from Daithí Ó Sé and Lorcán Mac Gabhann, CEO of Glór na nGael. SúilSiar Teoranta. received a Gold Award in the Signage category, a Gold Award in the Marketing & Branding category and a Gold Award in the Service category.

Daithí Ó Sé told attendees that Irish offers real added value to businesses across the country: "As I travel around the country I see Gradaim plaques displayed in businesses which indicates the importance the language has for them and for their businesses."

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Scheme manager Frainc Mac Cionnaith, Enterprise and Business Development Manager with Glór na nGael, praised the rise in participation:

"These businesses understand the central role our language plays in the culture and identity of the country. They understand that Irish provides a unique competitive advantage that attracts customers, and the number of businesses making use of that opportunity is constantly increasing."

Both Carlow businesses received their awards from Daithí Ó Sé and Glór na nGael CEO Lorcán Mac Gabhann before an audience of more than 270 people.

The Gradaim Gnó na hÉireann scheme, launched in 2021, continues to grow each year and now spans the entire island, recognising businesses that embrace Irish as part of their identity and service.