Leitrim Rockschool turns 18 with a concert in Manorhamilton tonight
Manorhamilton Rock School celebrates 18 years of music with a concert at the Glens Centre at 8pm tonight
Manorhamilton’s Glens Centre will come alive with the sound of youth-driven rock music tonight, Thursday, July 4th, as Rockschool Manorhamilton hosts its summer concert—marking 18 years of creativity, community, and musical passion.
Rockschool was founded in 2006 by musician and Kíla member Dee Armstrong and virtuoso guitarist Bobby Lee (winner of the Rory Gallagher Award). The goal was to move music from a solitary activity to a shared creative experience, offering young people a space to play, collaborate, and express themselves.
From humble beginnings in a room above Gilbert's Pharmacy—kindly donated by Finbarr and Deirdre Ryan—the project quickly found a permanent home in the Glens Centre, with the support of then-director Anna Legge.
Since then, Rockschool has coached hundreds of young musicians aged 10 to 18, giving them the chance to form bands, compose original music, record tracks, and perform live.
Tonight’s concert is the latest chapter in a story that has helped shape the cultural life of Manorhamilton. It follows June performances in Kinlough and Gaelscoil Cluainín as part of Crinniú na nÓg, the national day of creativity for children.
"We are happy to serve our community in this way and we love to see the young people who passed through Rockschool flourish and have music as part of their lives," organisers said in a Facebook post.
While Rockschool has typically run twice a year, next year it will expand to four sessions, with additional programmes in Bundoran, Kinlough, and Sligo.
The concert kicks off tonight at 8pm at the Glens Centre, promising an evening of high energy, original music, and celebration. Tickets are available online and at the door.
Don’t miss it—Manorhamilton’s young rockers are ready to take the stage.