Six exceptional songwriters from Ireland and the United States have been selected as finalists in the 2026 Tipperary International Song of Peace, with the winner to be crowned at the eagerly anticipated final on Thursday, 20th August, at Templeneiry Old Church, Bansha, Co. Tipperary, commencing at 7.00pm.
The Song of Peace Final will once again be held in conjunction with the Darby Ryan International Poetry Contest, bringing together two international competitions that celebrate the power of music and poetry to promote peace, hope and understanding.
Proudly supported by IMRO, with valued support from Tipperary Credit Union, the Tipperary International Song of Peace continues to attract outstanding songwriting talent from around the world, demonstrating the enduring ability of music to inspire dialogue, compassion and positive change.
The 2026 Finalists are as follows;
Cristina Movileanu & Keith McLoughlin (Ireland) – ‘Something’s On My Mind’
Originally from Moldova and now based in Ireland, Cristina Movileanu is a singer-songwriter and visual artist whose work explores emotion, nature and human connection. She composed the music for Something’s On My Mind, with lyrics by Dublin songwriter and broadcaster Keith McLoughlin. Their song highlights the importance of honest communication as a pathway to healing, understanding and peace.
Leslie Bowe (USA) – ‘Imagine If’
Nashville-based songwriter Leslie Bowe, originally from Pennsylvania, co-wrote Imagine If with Scott Voelkerding and Steve Smentek. The song imagines a world where love, compassion and understanding overcome division, encouraging listeners to become the change they wish to see.
Frank O’Dea (Ireland) – ‘Peace Beneath the Olive Trees’
Dublin songwriter Frank O’Dea brings more than three decades of songwriting experience to the contest. Performed by Dave Gleeson, his song uses the olive tree as a timeless symbol of hope and unity, inspired by the human cost of conflict in the Middle East.
Ceri Earle (USA) – ‘Peace of Mind’
Originally from South Africa and now based in Nashville, Ceri Earle co-wrote Peace of Mind with Corben Champoux and Alayna Kowal. Inspired by today’s global conflicts, the song reminds us that lasting peace begins within each individual.
Gerry O’Brien (Ireland) – ‘This Moment’
Nenagh, Co. Tipperary songwriter Gerry O’Brien has spent a lifetime writing and performing music. Inspired by the sudden loss of a close friend, This Moment celebrates life’s simple pleasures and reminds us to treasure every day.
Don Gnecco (USA) – ‘Together We Are One’
Award-winning songwriter Don Gnecco, from Demorest, Georgia, has written inspirational music performed at major events and recorded on numerous albums. His song celebrates the power of unity, cooperation and mutual respect in building a more peaceful world.
Speaking ahead of the final, Martin Quinn, Honorary Secretary of the Tipperary Peace Convention, said:
“The Tipperary International Song of Peace continues to demonstrate that music is one of the world’s most powerful forces for bringing people together. This year’s finalists have produced songs that inspire hope, compassion and understanding at a time when those values are needed more than ever. It would not be possible to showcase our songwriters and performers without the valued support of IMRO. Together with the Darby Ryan International Poetry Contest, the final promises to be a memorable celebration of creativity, cultural heritage and our shared commitment to peace. We warmly invite everyone to join us in Bansha for what promises to be a very special evening.”
The evening will also feature the final of the Darby Ryan International Poetry Contest, honouring the legacy of the celebrated Bansha poet Darby Ryan and showcasing original poetry from writers in Ireland and abroad.
The Tipperary Peace Convention extends its sincere appreciation to IMRO for its continued support of the Tipperary International Song of Peace, and to Tipperary Credit Union for its valued support of this special event. Their commitment helps make it possible to bring together songwriters, poets and audiences in celebrating creativity, cultural heritage and the universal message of peace.
Tickets for the finals are available now via Eventbrite: