Tipperary church to host first ever Darby Ryan international poetry contest

On Wednesday, August 20, the serene and evocative Templeneiry Old Church in Bansha will host the first-ever Darby Ryan International Poetry Contest.

This gathering promises to be a poignant fusion of literary artistry and heritage architecture, drawing poets and poetry lovers from near and far. Nestled on the edge of the Glen of Aherlow, the former Templeneiry Church — built in 1718 — stands as a testament to centuries of history.

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Though no longer in regular religious use, this dignified stone edifice, complete with a graceful spire and adjacent graveyard, now serves as a venue for community and cultural events.

The contest will open with an introduction to Darby Ryan’s legacy, setting the tone for an evening where creativity and tradition converge. Selected poets, both emerging and established, will present their works live.

Expect a rich tapestry of themes — community, satire, Tipperary and Ireland. A panel of distinguished judges will evaluate submissions, culminating in prizes for top entries and commendations for notable voices.

Whether you’re a poet seeking inspiration, a lover of history, or someone drawn to Ireland’s rural heartlands — mark your calendar for 7pm on Wednesday August 20th.

Join an evening where words meet echoes, legacy meets innovation, and poetry finds its sacred home in stone.

Tickets for the event, which will also feature the final of the Tipperary International Song of Peace Contest are available on Eventbrite.

The following are the six finalists;

Poet: Aidan Michael Casey. Poem: Revolution (Lite). Aidan Michael Casey is a native of Dun Laoghaire and studied English and Philosophy at UCD. Since then, he has taught English in Spain (where he lives), Germany and Ireland. His writing has featured in numerous online reviews and print anthologies and been shortlisted / commended or won prizes in several competitions in Ireland and the UK.
Poet: Julie Ryan. Poem: The Undertaker. Julie Ryan was born and lived in Emly village for over 30 years before moving to Galbally, where she married a Limerick man. She has been writing for many years mostly for memorial cards and funeral obsequies. She believes that writing helps others to express what they can't say naturally.

Poet: Patrick Ryan. Poem: The Destruction of the Langers. Patrick Ryan lives in Raheny, Dublin. Born in Glenaneigh, Hollyford, Co. Tipperary, he attended primary school in Turraheen National School. He attended Doon CBS Limerick for his secondary education and then studied at UCD. He worked in the Civil Service, until he retired in 2007. He is married to Mary, and has 4 children and 6 grandchildren. He is interested in golf, playing cards and serves on a number of voluntary committees. He is a keen follower of the GAA and in particular supports his native Tipperary. He likes to dabble in poetry in his spare time.

Poet: Fidelma Nugent. Poem: The Weave of Home. Fidelma Nugent is a musician, poet, and choir director from Ballydrehid, Cahir. She is currently undertaking a PhD in music, focusing on Catholicism in the choral works of Olivier Messiaen. Her writing is deeply rooted in a sense of place, community, and memory. As both musician and poet, she is drawn to the rhythm and musicality of language, exploring how poetry and music echo and influence one another.

Poet: Michael Morrissey. Poem: The Bansha Fair. Michael Morrissey, from Ballyshaneduff, Ballybrittas, Co. Laois, is a native of Bansha, Co. Tipperary. He likes to meet up with fellow writers “to chew the fat” so to speak. It took a while to find his voice, to meet with people who are totally willing to share their writing experiences. Under the guidance of Ryan Dunne, who is a source of inspiration and encouragement throughout, the Creative writing experience has made him a sharper, confident writer and he is now in a place that he never pre-empted.

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Poet: Sylvia Greene. Poem: The Garda and the Car. Sylvia Greene is from Killea, Tipperary. In the past she has written short stories and a memoir but has rarely written poetry so she is delighted to have a poem included in the competition. Sylvia's poem 'The Garda and the Car' is an 'ode' to Darby Ryan's Poem, 'The Peeler and the Goat'.
She thought it would be fun to write a modern poem in a similar, humorous style and replace the 'Peeler' with a 'Garda'.
She has also included some of the quirky aspects that show the unique charm of Bansha village.