Allin Gray, CEO
Born and educated in Cork, Allin Gray held a variety of positions in London, including three years as a civilian with the London Metropolitan Police, before returning to Ireland in 1995 to study at the Cork School of Music where he graduated with an honours BMus in 2000.
On completion of his undergraduate studies, Allin took a position as Administrator of the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras and learned lots about music organising. He left to pursue further studies at Cork School of Music in 2003, but stayed in contact with IAYO until his return as Director in 2007. In 2011, Allin received his MA in Music Editing from Cork School of Music where he had received a scholarship for editing works by Aloys Fleischmann.
An ex-guitar player, Allin is a musical pluralist, having performed classical, jazz, rock, folk and electronica (using real instruments) and performed widely throughout Cork and Ireland. He was a founding director of a number of independent arts companies, working in music and opera production and also with young people in socially-inclusive music-making and in creating international opportunities for those young people.
Allin has been involved as a volunteer in Irish environmental groups for a number of years including time as a Director and Secretary of the Cork Environmental Forum. He has been particularly active since the start of the pandemic; helping numerous organisations start and develop their online engagement with their existing and new supporters.
Allin is a former board member and Treasurer of the European Orchestra Federation and is also a former board member of the International Music Council.
Sinéad Ryan, Programmes Manager (On Maternity Leave)
Born in Tipperary, Sinéad always had a keen interest in music, learning piano and traditional flute from a young age. She first moved to Cork in 2008 to study music in UCC, graduating in 2011 with an honours BAMus and with an honours BMus in 2012. During this time, Sinéad was auditor of the Capriccio Music Society which led her to work with the UCC Societies’ Office for one year as Event Manager and Project Manager of the inaugural UCC Societies’ Summer Camp in 2013.
Sinéad moved to London in 2013 where she studied at Goldsmiths University of London for her MA in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy, graduating with honours in 2014. Throughout her studies, Sinéad worked with the London International Festival of Theatre as assistant producer for their show Turfed, working with homeless youths.
Upon a return to Ireland in early 2014, Sinéad took up the position as Assistant Coordinator with Music Generation Laois, working with young people and professional musicians across County Laois and the Midlands. During her stint in Laois, Sinéad was also acting Coordinator of the Laois School of Music, an IAYO member, for one year.
Sinéad is delighted to be back working in Cork with the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras.
Sibéal Ní Dhuibhir, Programmes Manager
Sibéal has worked with IAYO over the past few years in numerous capacities, including as Backstage Manager for the IAYO Festival of Youth Orchestras and welfare staff at the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble.
Sibéal has benefited hugely from IAYO’s mission, values and programmes, as a violinist and pianist in Roscommon County Youth Orchestra and later in Symphonic Waves Youth Orchestra. As part of these orchestras, she has appeared on stage with the Festival of Youth Orchestras, as well as many other opportunities performing in the west of Ireland. Outside of orchestral music, Sibéal also sings with Cór Comáin and performed in the choir of the Esker Festival Orchestra in 2023, performing Mahler 2.
Throughout her degree in Business Studies and German in Trinity College Dublin, she was an active member of An Cumann Gaelach, promoting Gaeilge on college campus and beyond. After graduating, she worked with Conradh na Gaeilge on programmes and campaigns for second-level students with all levels Irish on topics such as leadership and careers.
Sibéal is delighted to be working with the team again and looks forward to learning more about and supporting IAYO’s member orchestras and programmes!
Jack Mahony, Administrator
A native of West Cork, Jack Mahony studied euphonium and trombone under the tutelage of Mr Gerard Condon from the age of 11. From his beginning in Clonakilty Brass Band, Jack went on to play in IAYO ensembles such as the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble and Irish Youth Brass Ensemble. Attending these courses ignited his love for music and confirmed his decision to pursue music as a career.
Jack recently graduated from MTU Cork School of Music with a Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree.
Here, Jack studied trombone performance under Mr Tony Neal. Jack has performed multiple solo recitals and has received masterclasses from world-renowned artists such as Katy Jones, David Rejano, Gary Curtin and Adam Rapa. Jack has played with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, SinfoNua, CSM Symphony Orchestra, CSM Wind Ensemble and CSM Jazz Big Band.
An avid composer and arranger, Jack focuses largely on providing fun and accessible music for young musicians. Writing music that is engaging for both the player and listener while also providing a unique challenge for the performer is his primary aim. Jack’s most recent work, Turn Back, premiered in April 2022 by the Clonakilty Brass Band in Dublin Castle as part of New Music Dublin.
Jack is incredibly excited to work with IAYO and share the amazing experience of ensemble music-making with the young musicians of Ireland.
Edel Carmody, Marketing and Communications Officer
A native of Kerry, Edel has lived in Cork since 2014. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts International (English and History) from University College Cork in 2018. She then obtained her MA in Gender Studies from University College Dublin. After graduating, she also completed the Digital Marketing Certificate course at Munster Technological University. She then worked as Marketing Officer for Cyclone Rep Theatre Company in Cork. Cyclone Rep provides theatre-in-education for young people.
She also worked for a variety of Cork based festivals, including Cork Harbour Festival and Cork International Film Festival, in marketing and communications roles.
She has volunteered with First Fortnight, the mental health and arts festival, as part of their communications team. In her spare time, she continues to volunteer. Edel is passionate about making the arts inclusive and accessible to all people, especially young people. Edel enjoys writing and has a keen interest in the arts.
Rachel Dunne Lambe, Youth Participation Officer
Living in Ennis, County Clare, Rachel obtained her Degree in Education and History from Saint Patrick’s College (DCU) in 2005.
After teaching for in County Dublin for a number of years, Rachel moved to North Leitrim where she got involved in several cross-border community projects including art and film making. Following a period of international travel, she made the transition to the youth work sector in 2012.
As Youth Information Coordinator with Clare Youth Service, Rachel was involved in a range of programmes and activities involving young people aged 12 to 25. Rachel has a keen interest in and an understanding of the role of youth voice and participation in youth organisations.
Rachel is delighted to be working with IAYO in the area of youth participation. She also feels inspired by the wonderful musicianship of the young people and so she endeavours to pick up her saxophone once again.
