SONG FOR PEACE AWARD GOES TO U.S. COMPOSER
From the Irish Examiner - March 5, 2001
Winner for this year's National Song Contest for Peace, which took place last night at the Everyman Palace, Cork, was "Omagh," written by American Brad Dunnells, who traveled with his group, the Donegal X-Press, all the way from Baltimore, Maryland, to compete in the annual competition. Brad was presented with his prize, a cheque for 1000 pounds, by Donagh Long on behalf of sponsors IMRO, the Irish Music Rights Organization.

Ten songs competed, written by lyricists and composers from the USA, Scotland, England and all over Ireland. Second Prize was won by Neasa de Baroid and Eddie Fuller for their song, "Thought Kills," which they also performed, and Third Prize went to Norman Pratt, composer of "Who Told the World," sung by Amanda Hackett and a children's choir from CADA.

This was the sixth Song Contest for Peace run by the Cork-based PEACE organization, which was founded 25 years ago by Cecil Hurwitz, who was thanked by Lord Mayor of Cork, Councilor PJ Hourican, when welcoming contestants and audience. Senator Mairin Quill deputized for Liz O'Donnell TD, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, who was unable to travel due to the foot and mouth crisis. Senator Quill spoke of the importance of events such as the contest in helping to focus minds on peace and bring people together. The song contest is one of the events of Peace Week, which began yesterday afternoon with a special Mass for Peace and continues until next Sunday, when there is an Ecumenical Service.