Playing for Biden was an ‘honour’

A Ballyconnell musician who played for US President Joe Biden at Dublin Castle has described the opportunity as an “honour”.

Áine Donohoe was one of four musicians attached to Music Generation, Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, selected to play ahead of the plush banquet last Thursday night, April 13. The event was attended by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Cabinet ministers, former Taoisigh Enda Kenny and Bertie Ahern, former President Mary McAleese and party leaders.

Áine is Music Generation Carlow’s lead traditional Irish musician, and she played a jig with others on her button accordion for President Biden’s arrival.

“We were just inside the front door at the side of the red carpet, so we met everybody.”

Áine, who developed her grá for her musical craft through the tutelage of Deirdre McCartin in Newtowngore and Damaris Woods, as well as her parents Mairead and the late Séamus Donohoe, says: “It was an amazing experience. Then, when he did arrive, we were performing but when we stopped he shook all our hands and just had a little chat. It was very pleasant, and an honour.”