Fiontraí Óg na Bliana: Nominations for 2025 now open
The “Fiontraí Óg na Bliana” (Young Entrepreneur of the Year) ward gives recognition to two people every year who promote the Irish language and the values of entrepreneurship in their work. Two are named every year for this award – one in the 12-18 category, and another in the 18-21 category. This is the fourth year of the award, and to date, six entrepreneurs/enterprises have been honoured.
Last year, Erin Rose Mc Mullan was named as the winner in the 18-21 category. Erin Rose is central in the running of Madden’s Bar, a busy pub in the middle of Belfast. She helps her father, who owns the business, to decorate the bar with Irish sings, and organises Irish language events to give people the opportunity to learn and speak Irish. Erin Rose speaks Irish with customers every day.
Úna Nic Gabhann was named in the 12-18 year old category, because of her work with the social enterprise “Caifé Anam” in Whiterock in Belfast. Úna developed her skills greatly working in the café. She undertook a great amount of training to upskill.
Nominations for the 2025 award are now open, and members of the public may name a young person in each of the categories. This is an opportunity to recognise a young entrepreneur who is dedicated to the Irish language and the spirit of entrepreneurship.
You can nominate a young person here – https://forms.gle/