Fiontraí Óg na Bliana 2025

Daithí Ó Sé, the well-known television presenter, presented the Fiontaí Óg awards as part of the Gradaim Gnó na hÉireann event, which took place in Croke Park on 17/11/2025.

“Eco-Paws” from Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Co. Dhún na nGall won the award in Category 1 (age group 12–18), and the prize in Category 2 (age group 18–21) of the GRADAIM 2025 Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition was awarded to Aoife Nic Gabhann from Co. Mhuineacháin,.

Two separate awards are presented during the GRADAIM awards ceremony to two young people who display an aptitude for entrepreneurship through Irish. The ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ winners show the following qualities: a talent for enterprise, an imaginative approach, a commitment to promoting a positive image of Irish, and providing a service through Irish to customers or clients.

Eco-Paws’ innovative project creates pet beds from recycled materials.

The creativity of Danielle Ní Fhearraigh, Molly Nic Giolla Chomhaill, Fia Nic Giolla Chomhaill and Brianna Ní Fhearraigh greatly impressed the judges. Their commitment to sustainable entrepreneurship showed exceptional vision and leadership.

The judges selected Aoife Nic Gabhann from Mc Cague’s Bar because of the innovative leadership she has shown in putting Irish at the heart of life in the bar. She encourages the staff and the wider community to speak Irish more often, and she is promoting the language in a fresh and energetic way.