Winners of Gradaim na Gaeltachta 2024 Announced

Údarás na Gaeltachta announced the winners of Gradaim na Gaeltachta at a special ceremony in Na Forbacha, Co. Galway, on Thursday, November 28th. Chief Executive Tomás Ó Síocháin and Chairperson Siobhán Ní Ghadhra presented the awards to organizations and community committees for their excellent work on behalf of the Gaeltacht community.

Speaking at the event, Údarás na Gaeltachta Chief Executive Tomás Ó Síocháin said: “Gradaim na Gaeltachta is a wonderful demonstration of the pioneering work taking place in Gaeltacht communities. From tourism projects to green economy initiatives, communities are showing innovation and resilience. It’s important to recognize and celebrate what these groups are achieving for their communities.”

Údarás na Gaeltachta Chairperson, Siobhán Ní Ghadhra, added: “The high standard of work being carried out in every Gaeltacht area is a source of pride and encouragement. These winners demonstrate that our Gaeltacht communities have a bright future ahead, as they nurture language and culture, create employment, and develop high-quality community infrastructure.”

Rónán Mac Con Iomaire, Director of Regional, Community & Language Development, Údarás na Gaeltachta, said: “The Gaeltacht Awards are a demonstration of the great work being carried out by community development organisations throughout the Gaeltacht. These organizations strengthen their communities, and consequently the Gaeltacht as a whole, and the positive impact of their projects on the language, community and local economy is evident.”

Category Winners

Gaeltacht Tourism Project

This award was presented to Comharchumann Forbartha Ionad Deirbhile, An Fód Dubh, Co. Mayo for their work on Áras Scéalta an Atlantaigh (Atlantic Stories Center).

Youth Award

This award was presented to the Natural Resources Center, Cill Ulta, Co. Donegal for their innovative project “Preab san Úir” (Jump in the Soil).

Green Gaeltacht Project

Comharchumann Mhic Dara Teo., An Cheathrú Rua, Co. Galway won this award for their Community Renewable Energy project.

Gaeltacht Diaspora Project

This award was presented to Corca Dhuibhne Tourism Alliance, Co. Kerry for their work on cultural, educational, and business connections with Springfield, USA.

Gaeltacht Social Services Project

Áislann Chill Chártha CLG, Co. Donegal won this award for providing a wide range of community services and events.

Arts Project

This award was presented to Dr. Ó Loingsigh Cultural Center, Baile Bhúirne, Co. Cork for providing a wide range of artistic and cultural projects.

Social Enterprise Project

Comharchumann Forbartha Árann, Inis Mór, Co. Galway won this award for their work on the Eoghanacht Enterprise Center.

 

Community Committee Awards

Overall Winner

The overall award was presented to Cnoc Fola Development Committee, Co. Donegal for their work on developing the community center and community facilities in the area.

Regional Winners:

– North: Cnoc Fola Development Committee, Co. Donegal

– South: Fiontair Pobail CTR, An Rinn, Co. Waterford for their All-Weather Sports Park

– West: Na Forbacha Hall Committee, Na Forbacha, Co. Galway for organizing facilities and events

These winners demonstrate the excellent work being carried out in Gaeltacht communities throughout the country, promoting language, culture, and sustainable development of Gaeltacht areas.