Entries are now open for the 2021 Rathdowney Song & Poem Contest as the competition returns for a second year.
The Finn brothers who set up the event last year return as judges and this year are joined by Johnny McEvoy and Dr Arthur Broomfield.
The contest supports creative minds through the arts of songwriting and poetry which in turn will celebrate the local tales and stories of Rathdowney and its surrounds, whilst competing for over €600 in cash prizes.
“In its first year in 2020 saw an amazing amount of songs and poems entered and it was stunning to see all the talented writers in the area emerging and even some international writers getting involved too,” say the organisers.
“The standard was very, very high and the each poem or song was praised and lauded on social media as each entry was posted up on the Rathdowney Song & Poem Facebook page after it ended. It was a huge success and a feel good project.
“The contest has a few new judges this year and are very proud to announce that Irish folk music legend Johnny McEvoy will be added to the judging panel for songs.
“Laois poet and short story writer Dr Arthur Broomfield to be added to judging panel for the poems along with local historian Jack McDonald.
“We’re delighted to welcome them to accompany the rest of the panel from last year, Blues & Roots radio DJ/producer/musician David Dee Moore, the fantastic local music teacher in Rathdowney’s St Fergal’s College, Vicky Murphy, and local folk group duo, The Finns.”
The competition is sponsored by local Rathdowney businesses, Breslin’s SuperValu, Midland Hardware, and The Card Stand.
The Rathdowney Song & Poem Contest is open for anybody who has an interest in songwriting or poetry.
You don’t need to be from the area, and we invite anyone who enjoys some creative writing to enter and enjoy the experience, and who knows your entry may end up being published in a book like last year or on a compilation CD at the end of the year.
It’s free to enter and you can enter as many times as you like, as long as it’s in any way relating to the Rathdowney area.
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