$1m donation to Music Generation announced at The American Ireland Fund 41st Annual New York Dinner

5 May 2016, Manhattan, New York – The American Ireland Fund hosted its 41st Annual New York Dinner Gala on Thursday evening, May 5, 2016 in New York City.  The event exceeded its target and raised $2.7 million for the support of hundreds of Irish charities and causes, including a $1m donation to Music Generation by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. This gift will support the expansion of Ireland’s National Music Education Programme into a further 9 new areas of the country by 2021 and create access to music education for thousands more children and young people. 

Adam Clayton of U2 joined supporters of The Ireland Funds on the night to celebrate the successes of Music Generation, which was first launched in the US at The American Ireland Fund New York Dinner Gala in 2010.

“We in U2 benefitted from access to musical education – it transformed our lives,” said Adam Clayton. “We want the same opportunities for young people across Ireland.  Music Generation is achieving this beyond anyone’s imagination.  We are delighted that The Ireland Funds have joined us in committing to extending the programme.  The news tonight that the Stavros Niarchos Foundation will make a gift of $1 million is a huge boost and will benefit young people across Ireland.”

Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Program which transforms the lives of children and young people through access to high quality, subsidised performance music education. Initiated by Music Network, Music Generation is co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, The Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships.

In response to news of the $1m gift, National Director Rosaleen Molloy said: “Music Generation is immensely grateful to The Stavros Niarchos Foundation for this generous gift and for demonstrating their belief in the vision for Music Generation. This additional philanthropic donation will work in tandem with funding from Government and local Music Education Partnerships to advance our ultimate goal, to provide universal access to performance music education for every child and young person in Ireland.”  

The New York Dinner Gala is the largest of the 150+ events held globally by The Ireland Funds.

“Tonight’s dinner proves the enduring and generous commitment of the diaspora to Ireland,” said Kieran McLoughlin, President & CEO of The Worldwide Ireland Funds.  “Our supporters personify the spirit of philanthropy which is providing private resources for the public good.  The Dinner is a demonstration of how affection for Ireland is translated into real and substantial support.”

"I am absolutely delighted to see that tonight’s dinner has been such a huge success,” said John Fitzpatrick, Chairman of The American Ireland Fund. “Our leadership, committed members and supportive guests always seem to come together to champion great causes in Ireland with incredible passion and generosity.  They really understand that this is all about making a difference in people’s lives.”

In 2015, U2 and The Ireland Funds – who together gifted €7m in 2010 to launch the initiative – donated a further €3m to the programme to develop its next phase. Already, Music Generation is established in 12 areas of Ireland, providing access to music education for some 35,000 children and young people annually and creating 350 employment opportunities.

Members of the Stavros Niarchos family were in attendance at the event during which the additional $1 million gift to Music Generation was announced. To mark the occasion, three Music Generation Young Ambassadors from Laois performed a traditional set for guests, as well as a beautiful rendition of ‘The Foggy Dew’. 15-year old Sarah Bennett from Portlaoise (Bodhrán, Fiddle), 14 year-old Conall Ó Cnáimhín from Borris-in-Ossory (Cajon, Button Accordion, Fiddle) and 13 year-old Fiadh Fitzpatrick from Portarlington (Uilleann Pipes, Voice) were joined on stage by their mentor, musician Zoë Conway(Fiddle) for the performance.  

The American Ireland Fund New York Dinner Gala recognized Mike McGavick, CEO of XL Group plc with The Leslie C. Quick Jr Leadership Award for his company’s investment in Ireland and his philanthropic endeavors.

Over 1,000 guests from the spheres of business, the arts and politics attended the Gala at Chelsea Piers – Pier Sixty. The 2016 American Ireland Fund New York Dinner Gala was chaired by Eugene McQuade, Chairman of XL Group plc and William J. Mills, CEO North America of Citi. 

For more information on The Ireland Funds and a listing of organisations that have received support, visit www.theirelandfunds.org and follow #AIFNYGala

Media Contact:
Aoife Lucey, Communications Manager, Music Generation
E: aoife@musicgeneration.ie T: +353 1 475 8454 M: +353 85 741 5171