The Darby Ryan International Poetry Contest

The Darby Ryan International Poetry Contest was inaugurated this year by John Grogan and Claire Grogan Williams, descendants of the late Darby Ryan. Diarmuid O’Ríain (Darby Ryan) was born at Ashgrove, Bansha in 1777 and was a poet and patriot, his most famous composition was undoubtedly The Peeler and the Goat, a ballad or satire which was popularly sung across Ireland and was taken worldwide by emigrants.

The prize winner of this year’s competition along with finalists will be announced during August 2025 and will be invited to give a reading of their work on Wednesday August 20th., in The Old Templeneiry Church, Bansha, Co. Tipperary, at 7:00pm. There will be a full supporting programme on the evening that will include performances from songwriters.