Music Generation Carlow ensemble Reelig performs for President and Sabina Higgins at the Áras

Monday, 10 July 2017, Dublin: Music Generation Carlow traditional Irish music ensemble ‘Reelig’ was hosted by President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins at a Community Day Party in Áras an Uachtaráin on Saturday 8 July. The Party, MC’d by RTÉ’s Anne Cassin, was the 8th and final event in the 2017 series of Garden Parties celebrating the work of people and organisations active on themes of citizenship and community. Directed by their tutors, musicians Áine Donohue and Ciarán Somers, ‘Reelig’ performed an electric set for the President, Sabina Higgins and more than 400 guests among a line-up of acclaimed musicians including Paddy Casey and Irish band Vinci.

Music Generation Carlow is part of Music Generation – Ireland’s national music education programme, initiated by Music Network, co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships. Locally, Music Generation Carlow is supported and co-funded by Kilkenny Carlow Education & Training Board and Carlow County Council.

At this prestigious event at Áras an Uachtaráin ‘Reelig’ represented Music Generation as Young Ambassadors – sharing their work and ensemble performance with voluntary groups and active citizens from across the country, who are working to build a better, more inclusive Ireland. In addition to their performance, the young musicians enjoyed an opportunity to meet the President and Sabina Higgins and to capture this memorable moment on camera with an official photo.

The young musicians performing on the day were Thomas O’Donoghue (Button Accordion); Colm Broderick (Uileann Pipes, Flute, Whistle); Meadhbh Broderick (Flute, Whistle); Niamh Nolan (Flute, Whistle); Shane Nolan (Fiddle); Conor McDermott (Banjo); Jack Gladney (Guitar); Oisín Byrne (Bodhrán); and Katie Brennan (Concertina).

Just before their performance, Conor McDermott (age 16, Rathvilly) who plays banjo with Reelig said: ‘We’d like to thank President and Sabina Higgins and Music Generation for giving us this opportunity. It’s a real honour and these chances to perform at such prestigious events give us great experience for the future. We’ve had a really fun day so far – the team at Áras an Uachtaráin have been so friendly and hospitable. We’re looking forward to playing for them and the guests!’

Music Generation Carlow’s ‘Reelig’ is an accomplished collective of young traditional Irish musicians. Formed just three years ago under the direction of Programme Director Paula Phelan and musicians Ciarán Somers and Áine Donohoe, this dynamic ensemble is committed to performing exciting, diverse and challenging repertoire. Previous local and national performances include collaborations with Music Generation Cork City at UCC, the Carlow Pan Celtic Festival, and The Worldwide Ireland Funds’ Conference, which included collaboration with the esteemed Sir James Galway. Recently, ‘Reelig’ performed for former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Minister for Culture Heather Humphreys and members of local and national Government at the announcement of 31 Local Authority Culture and Creativity Plans as part of Creative Ireland in Dublin Castle.

Music Generation’s Young Ambassadors programme provides opportunities for young musicians throughout Ireland to perform at national and international events.

Music Generation Carlow is part of Music Generation – Ireland’s national music education programme, initiated by Music Network, co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships. Locally, Music Generation Carlow is supported and co-funded by Kilkenny Carlow Education & Training Board and Carlow County Council.

For further information about the programmes and initiatives at Music Generation Carlow contact:

Music Generation Carlow, Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board, Athy Road, Carlow

t: +353 59 913 8532
e: pphelan@kcetb.ie
musicgenerationcarlow.ie