Galway musicians Éimhín Cradock and Rickie O’Neill have been named as the Drum Chiefs for the Galway 2020 opening ceremony, which will take place in Galway city and across the county in the first week of February.
Working with musical director David Munroe, Cradock and O’Neill will develop the drumming element of the community cast performance, and rehearsals have already begun.
The opening ceremony will take place in Galway city on Saturday February 8. From February 2 to 7, Clifden, Spiddal, Tuam, Ballinasloe, Portumna, and Athenry will each host a fire ceremony and a drum performance by their own drum troop squads.
There will be a performance by all the various drum troops in South Park, Salthill, on Saturday February 8. Cradock and O’Neill will be joined by a town captain in each location, featuring a host of musicians who will work with each community; including Liz Coleman, Evan Barrows, Paul Egan, Des Harrington, and Kieran Duddy.
"It's an absolute privilege to work with Galway 2020," said Rickie O'Neill. "You are constantly learning and developing not only as a musician/drummer but as a person. I have made friends for life here and it's very exciting because we get to create together as a unit, as a community, and that's what Galway 2020 is all about."
