Cafe Aon Scéal win gold award for promoting Irish language
CAFÉ Aon Scéal brought three national Gold awards home to Tallaght this week for its promotion of the Irish language in business.
The Main Street café earned the Bonn Óir award in all three categories of the inaugural Gradaim Gnó Na hÉireann, a new Irish business scheme.
The awards aim to put the Irish language at the forefront of business, recognising companies that promote the use of Irish in business.
Among the 85 businesses that entered the awards scheme was Café Aon Scéal, which earned Gold in the categories of Comharthaíocht/Signage, Margaíocht/ Marketing and Seirbhís/ Service.
The awards are based on the results of a comprehensive assessment process completed in September.
On Tuesday, businesses gathered in City Hall for the inaugural ceremony, with members of the Café Aon Scéal team and Gaelphobal Thamlachta present.
These included Dawn NicÍomhar, an tOifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge, and Pól Ó Meadhra, Chairperson of Gaelphobal Thamhlachta.
Former café manager Dawn NicÍomhar is now working as an tOifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge, or Irish language development officer for the Tallaght area – with a new café manager in place.
According to Pól, the café’s success is a “huge achievement and a great source of pride for everyone in Tallaght”.
He added “Café Aon Scéal opened this time three years ago, and despite the challenges created by the pandemic, it not only survived, but has in fact thrived, providing a fantastic service to its customers in a warm, welcoming environment.
“It has also created employment and work experience for several people in the area since it first opened its doors to the public.
“It is currently employing eight local people, mostly past pupils of the vibrant Gaelscoileanna in the area, Scoil Santain, Scoil Chaitlín Maude and Coláiste de hÍde
“It really has become a cultural hub, with several ongoing activities in the café . . .”
These activites include art classes, an Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge, a third-level diploma of University of Galway, Feachtas Thamhlachta, the local Irish language youth club, several ciorcal chomhrá and live traditional music.
For further information or a cuppa, drop into Café Aon Scéal at 518 Tallaght Village or follow its Facebook page.
For further details on Gradaim Gnó Na hÉireann visit gradaim.
