I wrote Objirc Chat, a Java IRC client.
The plan is for Objirc Chat to acheive world domination. But first it must usurp the likes of BitchX and mIRC. I don't know the first but mIRC is pretty cool.
Since I realised I can't do this o.n my own, I've added scripting support to Objirc Chat for people to write addins in Python or Java. This would be a great way for someone to learn a language or contribute to the betterment of IRC.