Music Generation Musicians Join U2 for 50th Anniversary Performance at Mount Temple
32 young Music Generation musicians representing every county in Ireland took the stage with U2 to mark the band's 50th Anniversary on 25th September 2026.
Music Generation has announced the appointment of David Leahy, Chief Executive of Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB), to its Board. He takes up the role as nominee of the ETBI Chief Executive’s Forum, succeeding Shaun Purcell (Chief Executive, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB).
Chairperson Leo Blennerhassett welcomed the announcement: ‘David’s extensive knowledge and experience of Ireland’s education sector in both teaching and leadership capacities will be of huge benefit as we continue to build strong partnerships in the sector, including with the Education and Training Boards that play a key role in so many Music Generation areas. I join with our fellow members in welcoming him to the Board.’
Upon his appointment, David commented: ‘I’m delighted to join Music Generation as a member of its Board. This organisation has achieved extraordinary things for Ireland’s children and young people in the eight years since it was established. It’s wonderful to now play a role in guiding this great movement of national change for music education. I look forward to collaborating with the Board and Executive in advancing the next phase of development.’
David has held the post of Chief Executive of GRETB since its establishment in 2013. He previously held leadership positions as Chief Executive Officer of North Tipperary VEC and Principal of Portumna Community School, prior to which he taught at second level in two schools.
Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships. Music Generation believes in every child and young person’s musical potential and their innate artistry, that it is every child and young person’s right to have the choice of access and the chance to participate as a musical citizen and that music doesn’t just change lives, it transforms lives.
