Irish language Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards go to Kerry and Donegal

The GRADAIM Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards were presented to two young people at a ceremony held in the City Hall, Dublin on 15th November 2022. Síle Seoighe, the TV star, was the special guest who made the presentation.

This years Fiontraí Óg na Bliana in the 12-18 age category was awarded to Róisín Dalby (Co. Kerry) and Aoibhín Ní Deá (Co. Donegal) received the award in the 18-21 age category.

Fiontraí Óg na Bliana is a special category in the GRADAIM Gnó na hÉireann national business awards scheme.  Candidates for the award must demonstrate that they have a flair for entrepreneurship, an imaginative approach to entrepreneurship; the ability to promote a positive image of the Irish language and dedication to providing service through Irish.

“Róisín Dalby and Aoibhín Ní Deá made a huge impression on the adjudicators from Glór na nGael” said Frainc Mac Cionnaith, Business and Enterprise Manager, Glór na nGael. “They are both role models for other young people who have an entrepreneurial spirit and a drive for the language.”

Róisín is from Baile an Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, and she is working in the Goat Café, in An Daingean. She implements an Irish first policy at work where she greets all customers in Irish. Róisín believes that the use of Irish in the café greatly enhances the cultural experience and to that end, she is helping her colleagues to improve their Irish.

Aoibhín is from Gaoth Dobhair and she has her own business, Cácaí Aoibhín, which she founded when she was only fourteen years old. She is now making cakes for shops and cafes all over the North-West Gaeltacht of Donegal as well as special orders, such as birthday cakes and wedding cakes. She recently opened a new kitchen of her own. Aoibhín believes that entrepreneurship plays an important role in preserving the language in the Gaeltacht and she wants to help the language planning committee in the area to encourage other young local people to become entrepreneurs.