Local musician performs at U2's 50th anniversary school concert

A member of Athlone Youth Orchestra was one of 32 young musicians invited to perform with U2 as the world-famous band returned to its former school in Dublin to mark the group's 50th anniversary.

Samuel Doyle, a fifth-year student at Cloonakilla National School, and son of Patrick and Triona, was chosen to play the cello, as Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr took to the stage at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Clontarf.

Athlone Youth Orchestra is an inclusive, multi-instrumental ensemble coordinated through Music Generation Westmeath and all the young musicians represented the Music Generation programme, which is co-funded by U2.

They played an arrangement of U2's 'One' by composer Michael Rooney, who worked with the group, alongside Music Generation educators, to put the performance together.

Afterwards, the young musicians had the opportunity to meet the members of U2, who spoke with the kids, posed for photographs and signed autographs.

In a statement on its official social media platforms, U2 said it was a privilege to return to Mount Temple 'where our journey first began', and share the stage with the 'extraordinary young musicians of Music Generation'.

Music Generation said it is 'beaming with pride' after the 32 young musicians represented Music Generation from every county across Ireland.

"One in every 10 children and young people across Ireland now makes music with Music Generation, all thanks to U2’s vision, support and belief in our mission. We're so grateful to all our partners for supporting the right of children and young people to access music," it said.

U2's homecoming came in the same week they announced 'Carnaval De Luz', the band's first album in nine years, which will be released in November.