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Mayo’s Young Ambassadors perform at Department of Education and Skills EU Presidency Opening Event

Mayo eu event
On Thursday December 13th two of Co. Mayo’s finest music ensembles - The Carabells & Bofield Céilí Band - took centre stage at Dublin Castle to perform as guest artists for the Department of Education and Skills’ inaugural event for the EU Presidency. Selected by Music Generation and the DES from a number of proposed acts from County Mayo these young musical ambassadors performed to a distinguished international audience at the State Apartments, Dublin Castle.

The Carabells, a unique eight-member bell ensemble aged from 15 to 18 years, was formed in 2004 by Mayo native Kathy Fahey. Performing a diverse repertoire of pop, rock classical and of course Christmas favourites, The Carabells have given numerous performances locally, nationally and internationally and have also been featured on TG4, RTÉ Nationwide and the Late Late Toy Show.

With over one hundred years of making music, the Bofield Céilí Band is the oldest céilí band in Co. Mayo. The band provides a range of instrumental tuition to children and young people up to 18 years and has represented Co. Mayo on the local, national and international stage for decades.

“We are delighted that young Mayo musicians will represent our county at this prestigious event”, said Cllr. Jarlath Munnelly, Chairperson, Co.Mayo Music Education Partnership. “And that they will have the opportunity to showcase their skill and represent their county on the national and international stage.’’

“The Department of Education and Skills is delighted to have the opportunity to work with Music Generation and a host of local partners in planning an exciting performance programme that will feature some of Ireland’s finest young musical ambassadors to represent their county and their country over the coming months during Ireland’s EU Presidency”, commented Ruairi Quinn, Minister for Education and Skills.

This performance marks the first in a series of exciting musical celebrations that have been organised by the Department of Education and Skills and Music Generation for Ireland’s EU Presidency and will feature some of Ireland’s finest young musicians throughout the country.


For further information on EU Presidency events - please contact Music Generation National Office, c/o Music Network, The Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2. 01 6719945 / info@musicgeneration.ie / www.musicgeneration.ie