U2 receive National Philanthropist of the Year Award

The Community Foundation for Ireland, one of the country’s leading foundations for developing philanthropy in Ireland, has announced the winners of the fourth annual Philanthropist of the Year Awards. Among this year’s award winners are U2, who were given the National Philanthropist of the Year Award for their involvement with Music Generation, Ireland’s National Music Education Programme which aims to help children and young people access vocal and instrumental tuition in their own locality.

The awards, now in their fourth year, were set up by The Community Foundation for Ireland to shine a light on the extraordinary generosity and leadership of philanthropists in the country. Accepting the award on behalf of U2, Trevor Bowen from Principle Management thanked The Community Foundation and Music Generation for the award and said that the band believe in the importance of music education for Ireland’s children and young people.

Tina Roche, CEO of The Community Foundation for Ireland, said, “Philanthropy is now more important than ever. Our winners this year were all focused on enhancing young Irish people’s experience of arts and culture. Arts and culture can play a key role in reigniting people’s pride in our country and reaffirming a feeling of self worth and unique identity that is truly Irish. Philanthropy has grown in recent years and already The Community Foundation has had a number of new funds opened in 2011 alone. We hope these most recent recipients will serve to inspire and challenge others to think of philanthropy and how they can have lasting impact on Irish society and culture.”

Chairman of Music Generation Tony Ó Dálaigh said, “The Board of Music Generation was delighted to nominate U2 for this well deserved award. Thousands of Ireland’s children and young people will now have access to music education because of the support of U2 together with The Ireland Funds.”

For further information about the The Community Foundation and the Philanthropist of the Year Awards, contact Una O’ Murchu, The Community Foundation for Ireland, Tel: 01 874 3821 uomurchu@bitc.ie