“An Baile Beo” regional awards for the Donegal Gaeltacht were presented at a ceremony in Óstán na Cúirte, Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal (8.p.m Thursday 16 November). Éanna Ó Cnaimhsí, Mayor of Donegal and Pádraig Ó hAoláin, Chief Executive, Údarás na Gaeltachta presented the awards.
The prizefund was awarded as follows:
Co-operative/Community-based Companies Category
First Prize: Cumann Turasóireachta & Trádála an Fhál Charraigh Teo €3,000
Second Prize: Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoth Dobhair €2,000
Third Prize: Comharchumann na nOileán Beag Teo €1,000
Community Committees Category
First Prize: Coiste Pobail Ghort an Choirce €3,000
Second Prize: Coiste Miontograí Loch an Iúir €2,000
Third Prize: Comhairle Paróiste Chill Charthaigh €1,000
Recognition Awards
Coiste Forbartha Charraig Airt €1,000
Coiste Forbartha na nDúchoradh €1,000
Coiste Forbartha na Carraige €1,000
“An Baile Beo” aims to enrich the image of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht. The language will be visible as well as spoken in Gaeltacht towns, and visitors and tourists will know that they are in a distinct area when they are in the Gaeltacht.
GaelSaoire, The Tourism Department in Údarás na Gaeltachta, in conjunction with Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall are sponsoring the competition. These awards acknowledge the committees which develop and strengthen the language and cultural tourism in their own regions.