U2 and the Ireland Funds donating $3.2 million to music education in Ireland

The Dublin-based band, who started playing together as teenagers and have steadily marched their way into rock history, have donated $2.13 million (€2 million) to make sure that Irish children have access to music education.

In September of 2015, U2 announced $2.13 million (€2 million) from their Irish concerts would be gifted to Music Generation, which provides access to high quality, subsidized music tuition for thousands of children and young people across the country.

A further $1.06 million (€1 million) will be donated by The Ireland Funds who, together with U2, seed-funded Music Generation’s first phase (2010 – 2015) with a $7.4 million (€7 million) donation – the largest philanthropic donation to music education in Ireland in the history of the state.

U2’s The Edge said, “Five years in, Music Generation is continuing to grow. Thanks to The Ireland Funds for adding €1m to the €2m from our Irish shows; it’ll bring us closer to achieving our ambition for every child and young person in Ireland to have access to music tuition.”

Kieran McLoughlin, president & CEO, The Worldwide Ireland Funds said, “We are thrilled to announce this additional gift of €1m to Music Generation. The impact of this innovative music education program has been extraordinary and brings so much benefit to young people and communities throughout Ireland. The Ireland Funds is delighted to be supporting this flagship initiative and, together with U2, will also seek to raise additional support as part of our commitment to unlocking the musical talents of the next generation.”