Building friendships across borders in Laois at Portlaoise rock showcase

Conor Ganly
By Conor Ganly

News & Deputy Editor

Published 24th Sep 2025, 22:33 BST
Acts on Dunamaise Arts Centre Stage. Photos: Hendryk Karplaceholder image
Acts on Dunamaise Arts Centre Stage. Photos: Hendryk Kar

Talented Laois, Offaly and Northern Ireland bands raise the roof of Dunamaise Arts Centre

Young musicians from Laois, Offaly and Northern Ireland took to the stage of the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, on Saturday 20 September to perform original songs from a cross-border music project, presented by Music Generation Laois.

Working with Nerve Centre, in Derry, musicians from Music Generation centres in Laois and Offaly, and Northern Ireland came together for a residential week of creativity in Corrymeela, Co Antrim, in July and again in Castletown in July, to form cross-border bands, and write songs together. More below photo.placeholder image
Working with Nerve Centre, in Derry, musicians from Music Generation centres in Laois and Offaly, and Northern Ireland came together for a residential week of creativity in Corrymeela, Co Antrim, in July and again in Castletown in July, to form cross-border bands, and write songs together. More below photo.

PICTURED: Eva May, Dallan from Dad's Shed

A total of 50 young people took part in the project, funded by Creative Ireland’s ‘Shared Island’ initiative. Bands showcased original songs to families, friends and supporters in the Dunamaise on Saturday night in Portlaoise. Energetic performances showcased the friendship that this project has helped to develop.

Rosa Flannery is the Music Development Officer with Music Generation Laois. She spoke about the initiative in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.  MORE BELOW PHOTO.placeholder image
Rosa Flannery is the Music Development Officer with Music Generation Laois. She spoke about the initiative in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.  MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured: James from Clear Threat

“This has been an incredible project for the young people involved, young people from different backgrounds and experiences came together, in an intensive residential setting in Antrim and Laois, and the outcomes have been truly powerful and transformative for the young people involved.

“Their confidence has soared, their musical and song writing skills have soared, and they’ve had an unforgettable experience, meeting new people and seeing new places. We are very grateful to Creative Ireland, our musician teams in Music Generation Laois and The Nerve Centre, and to the young people we worked with, its been the most incredible journey,” she said. MORE BELOW PHOTOplaceholder image
“Their confidence has soared, their musical and song writing skills have soared, and they’ve had an unforgettable experience, meeting new people and seeing new places. We are very grateful to Creative Ireland, our musician teams in Music Generation Laois and The Nerve Centre, and to the young people we worked with, its been the most incredible journey,” she said. MORE BELOW PHOTO

Pictured: Cahir, Erin, Roisien from Clear Threat

The two groups will unite for a final showcase event in Nerve Centre, Derry, on Saturday, October 11. To find out more about Music Generation Laois, see www.musicgenerationlaois.ie

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Music Generation Laois is part of Music Generation, Ireland’s performance music education programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds and the Department of Education and Youth. Locally Music Generation Laois is part of Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, and supported by Laois County Council.

Related topics:Dunamaise Arts CentreMusic Generation LaoisPortlaoiseLaois County Council
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