Music Generation Announces Director of Operations & Communications

The Board of Music Generation is delighted to announce the appointment of Eithne Egan as Director of Operations & Communications.

Commenting on the appointment, Tony Ó Dálaigh, Chairman of Music Generation said, “With over fifteen years of experience working in a range of arts and cultural organisations, Eithne brings a wealth of skills and qualities to the role of Director of Operations & Communications with Music Generation. Her appointment to this newly created role comes at an exciting time of rapid growth and expansion in the programme’s national development”.

Eithne is a music graduate of University College Dublin and holds a Masters degree in Renaissance Music from Queen’s University Belfast and a post-graduate diploma in Arts Administration from UCD. She joins Music Generation from Cork Midsummer Festival where she worked as Executive Producer for four years. Previous posts in the arts include General Manager with Opera 2005, a company set up for Cork’s year as European Capital of Culture, the Contemporary Music Centre and the National Concert Hall. A keen flautist, she also has extensive teaching experience, having taught flute and recorder in Dublin and Kildare for many years and enjoys playing in a variety of ensembles.

Commenting on her appointment, Eithne said, “I am honoured to have been appointed to this exciting new role and to be part of the vibrant Music Generation team. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and to being involved in the dynamic changes that are taking place in music education in Ireland. I was fortunate to have access to music education as a child and I’m delighted to now play a role in creating similar opportunities for future generations of Ireland’s children and young people.”

“I am delighted to welcome Eithne to the Music Generation team”, said Rosaleen Molloy, National Director of Music Generation. “Job creation is one of the many tangible and successful outcomes of Music Generation, made possible through the philanthropic support of U2 and The Ireland Funds.”

Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network and funded by U2 and The Ireland Funds, together with a range of local partners. Music Generation helps children and young people access high quality subsidised music education in their local area.

Music Network established Music Generation on receipt of a €7 million donation in 2009 from U2 and The Ireland Funds, following a ten year campaign for the development of a national system of music education in Ireland. Music Generation is now established in 10 areas of the country - Carlow, Cork City, Laois, Limerick City, Louth, Offaly/Westmeath, Mayo, Sligo and Wicklow.

Music Generation works closely with the Department of Education and Skills who have committed to continuing to develop and sustain the Music Education Partnerships with Exchequer funding in future years when the donations cease. Visit www.musicgeneration.ie for further information.

ENDS.