look at IRC::Bot which apparently hasn't been updated since 2007

2007 was a very good year! IRC::Bot uses the excellent event-driven POE::Component::IRC. It only has 1 bug report which you may want to persue. The other modules you mention also look good, and I would consider using them too if for example something won't install, and keep an eye on their source code for good ideas about how things get done and what's possible.