Musicians and music-lovers convened in the Mick Lally Theatre in Galway city centre to mark the official launch of the Galway Music Centre. Guests were treated to musical performances from young students of Maoin Cheoil na Gaillimhe, performers and tutors from the Salthill/Knocknacarra branch of Comhaltas, as well as renowned tenor and GMC co-founder, Frank Naughton.
The evening event was hosted by Bernard Kirk (Director, GMC), and included speeches by Mary Dooley (Chair of the GMC Board) and Galway TD, Hildegarde Naughton, who both made passioned calls for more collaboration, support and investment for music in the city and county.
Guests at the launch included members of the many GMC member organisations and partner institutions, as well as Galway politicians: Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources, Seán Kyne, and Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh.
An uplifting and inclusive event - the Galway Music Centre launch certainly showed the passion that Galwegians have for music of all genres.
Read more in the Galway Independent
Hildegarde Naughton, TD (left) is pictured at the launch with: Anna Lardi-Fogarty (GMC Director), Mary Dooley (Chair of the GMC Board) and Marilyn Gaughan (Galway 2020 Programme Manager, Galway County Council)
President of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Colin O'Dowd; Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources, Seán Kyne TD; Mary Dooley (Chair of GMC Board); and Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh.
Guests were treated to performances by some of Galway's talented young musicians.