Ireland Archives

Ireland: Niamh Kavanagh Responds to Her Country’s Withdrawal Due to Israel’s Participation

January 27, 2026 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026 controversy continues across Europe: Niamh Kavanagh, Ireland’s 1993 winner, responds to her country’s decision to boycott the contest due to Israel’s participation. Niamh Kavanagh, Ireland’s 1993 Eurovision winner with the song "In Your Eyes" and the country’s 2010 representative with "It’s For You", which placed 23rd, has openly addressed her country’s decision to boycott Eurovision 2026 amid the ongoing controversy following the EBU’s confirmation of Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, set to take place in Vienna, Austria on May 12th, 14th and 16th, 2026. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “I Respect RTÉ’s Decision” In an interview with the Irish national broadcaster RTÉ, Kavanagh shared her thoughts about Ireland’s withdrawal. The singer expressed respect for RTÉ’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming competition in Vienna due to Israel’s participation. She also reflected on the growing challenges faced by artists and delegations who must often address political questions unrelated to music or their performance at Eurovision. She said: “I respect RTÉ’s decision to withdraw before an...

Bambie Thug Says She Would Perform in Russia While Boycotting Israel

January 6, 2026 by Oscar Diefenthal Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026 controversy intensifies after Bambie Thug states in a live broadcast she would perform in Russia, while continuing to publicly boycott Israel’s participation in the contest. Recently, Irish singer Bambie Thug sparked widespread backlash and reignited debate across Europe after remarks that many perceived as highlighting contradictions within parts of the progressive cultural sphere. Ireland’s Eurovision 2024 representative stated during a live broadcast on the social media platform “TikTok” that she would be willing to perform in Russia while continuing to boycott Israel. The statement, delivered live and recorded by viewers, draws a sharp contrast: a sustained public boycott of Israel, a democratic country and full member of the EBU, alongside cultural openness toward a country excluded from the Eurovision Song Contest following its military invasion of Ukraine. This was a direct, unequivocal public declaration without clarification or subsequent correction that intensifies the ongoing controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision and the singer’s stance toward it. (adsbygoogle =...

Ireland Joins Boycott: Official Withdrawal from Eurovision 2026

December 4, 2025January 12, 2026 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Irish national broadcaster RTÉ, which had previously threatened to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participated, officially announces its withdrawal following the confirmation of Israel’s participation in the contest. Ireland is known for its particularly strained Eurovision relations with Israel. The Irish national broadcaster, RTÉ, firmly opposed Israel’s participation along with several other countries and previously declared: “Our position is that Ireland will not participate in Eurovision 2026 as long as Israel continues to compete. The final decision on Ireland’s participation will be made after the EBU’s decision.” Following today’s general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union, where the new regulations were decisively approved and no separate vote to exclude Israel was held, Israel’s participation was confirmed and Ireland’s withdrawal officially declared. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Statement from Irish National Broadcaster RTÉ "Following today's EBU Winter General Assembly in Geneva at which Israel's participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest was confirmed, RTÉ's position remains unchanged. RTÉ...

Eurovision Legend Confesses: “I Was Ill-Prepared for Winning Eurovision 1993”

September 25, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Niamh Kavanagh reflects on her 1993 Eurovision victory, her struggle with sudden fame, and her husband’s near-death ordeal that reshaped her personal journey. Niamh Kavanagh, the Irish singer who gave Ireland one of its most emotional Eurovision victories in 1993, looks back three decades later and candidly admits how unprepared she was for the overwhelming fame that followed. How does one cope when the leap from an anonymous “hired voice” to a celebrated artist happens overnight? And what transpires when a musical journey intertwines with profound personal challenges? A Dublin Girl Who Conquered the World Kavanagh was born and raised in Glasnevin, Dublin, yet her life journey stretched far beyond her home city. On the popular Irish program "Keys To My Life", broadcast by the national broadcaster RTÉ, personal behind-the-scenes stories of guests are unveiled. The show’s host, Brendan Courtney, visited Kavanagh in her Carrickfergus, Antrim, home, where she lives with her husband Paul and their sons Jack and...

Ireland Joins the Rising Wave: “We Will Not Participate in Eurovision as Long as Israel Does”

September 11, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Irish national broadcaster RTÉ officially declares it will not participate in Eurovision 2026 as long as Israel remains in the contest, intensifying the growing political storm. The climax of the dispute regarding Israel's participation in Eurovision 2026 came in an unusual announcement by the Irish national broadcaster RTÉ: "Our position is that Ireland will not participate in Eurovision 2026 as long as Israel continues to take part in the contest. The final decision about Ireland’s participation will be announced after the EBU’s ruling". RTÉ is the second national broadcaster, after Slovenia’s RTVSLO, to officially announce withdrawal from the contest as long as Israel remains a competitor. Alongside Ireland and Slovenia, the national broadcasters of Iceland and Spain have hinted they will also withdraw if Israel continues to participate, but no official announcement has yet been made. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ireland Against Israel in Eurovision Ireland has long been known for its deeply strained relationship with Israel in the...

Revealed: Ireland’s Participation Costs for Eurovision 2025

August 15, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Irish national broadcaster discloses the expenses invested in Ireland’s Eurovision delegation. Is the amount high compared to other countries? EMMY, Ireland’s representative for Eurovision 2025, finished only in 13th place in the second semi-final. This marks a return to the country’s familiar pattern of missing the final - a trend broken only once since 2018. Now, the costs of Ireland’s participation have been revealed - approximately €385,761. This amount covered a large delegation of 19 people who stayed in Basel. It is about ₪16,700 less than last year’s Irish delegation expenses in Malmö. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Flights for EMMY and her team were booked in economy class and cost €7,503. Ground transportation cost €1,407, bringing the total transportation expenditure to €8,910. Accommodation in Basel came to roughly €50,785, while meals and daily living expenses during the stay added another €12,079. The mandatory participation fee to the EBU was €100,270. This payment, required by the EBU, secures broadcasting rights for...

Ireland at Eurovision: “We Still Haven’t Received the Televote Results”

July 19, 2025July 19, 2025 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Ireland, a well-known opponent of Israel in the competition, is once again raising its voice, stating that it has not yet received the full televote results from the contest. The Irish national broadcaster, RTE, has stated that it has not received the complete televote results from the European Broadcasting Union and has cast doubt on the conduct of the union. It should be noted that Ireland gave Israel 10 points in the televote and, unlike many other countries, also ranked Israel fourth in the jury vote—granting 7 points. This amounts to a total of 17 points, placing Ireland as one of Israel's main supporters in the contest, alongside Azerbaijan, France, and the Netherlands. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Analyzing Ireland’s Support for Israel in Eurovision Voting Over the years, I have observed the Eurovision Song Contest closely and noticed the influence of social and political trends on voting results. Most countries that awarded Israel 12 points have strong and influential...

Ireland in Eurovision: Is Dustin The Turkey Planning to Compete Again in the Song Contest?

July 16, 2025July 16, 2025 by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Dustin The Turkey, Ireland’s 2008 Eurovision act, openly plans to compete again in Eurovision. What are the chances of his return and what might it mean for Ireland? Dustin the Turkey, Ireland’s infamous talking bird who once graced the Eurovision stage, is teasing a surprising comeback 17 years after his controversial debut. The character, who appeared on stage from a trolley during Eurovision 2008, may once again shake up the song contest as he did with his satirical performance that year. Recently, at a launch event held in Dublin, Dustin suggested he is considering a return, igniting renewed debate among the Eurovision fan community. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Comic Genius or Ongoing Curse? Potentially gearing up for another Eurovision appearance, the unconventional figure has drawn mixed reactions. On one hand, Dustin claims he did Ireland a “favor” by preventing a win the national broadcaster, RTÉ, could not afford to host. On the other hand, local artists argue his involvement marked...

Ireland: Which Legendary Eurovision Winner Might Return to the Contest?

May 17, 2025May 17, 2025 by Maayan Eli Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Irish Eurovision Winner Johnny Logan Considers a Comeback, Marking 40 Years Since His Second Victory! Read for All the Details. The Eurovision 2025 Grand Final takes place today, but preparations for next year are already underway. Legendary Eurovision winner Johnny Logan has hinted that he is interested in returning to the contest, marking 40 years since his second victory with the iconic song "Hold Me Now." (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A Eurovision Legend’s Remarkable Track Record The legendary Irish singer, who won Eurovision twice as a performer (in 1980 and 1987) and once more as a songwriter (in 1992), recently appeared on the podcast hosted by Nicky Byrne, who represented Ireland at Eurovision 2016 but, unlike Logan, did not qualify for the final. During their conversation, Logan sparked excitement by hinting at a possible return to the contest: “Give me an orchestra and maybe I’ll consider it.” “Hold Me Now” and Logan’s Ongoing Legacy Logan’s second victory came in 1987 in Brussels with the timeless hit...

Eurovision 2025: Ireland Pushes to Ban – EBU Commits to Reviewing Israel’s Participation!

May 9, 2025May 9, 2025 by Guy Solo Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Has the pressure worked? After Ireland’s demands to exclude Israel from Eurovision 2025, the EBU has agreed to hold a formal discussion. All the latest details inside! In the shadow of the controversial letter signed by former Eurovision artists calling to exclude Israel from Eurovision 2025—and just as Yuval Raphael completed her second rehearsal on the contest stage—an official response has now arrived from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Following consistent pressure and repeated calls from Ireland to reopen the debate over Israel’s participation, Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ, announced it has secured a commitment from the EBU to hold a “broader discussion amongst members” regarding Israel’s inclusion in the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Key Meeting: Ireland Presents Its Concerns On Friday, Kevin Bakhurst, RTÉ’s Director-General, together with Steve Carson, RTÉ’s Director of Video, held a crucial meeting with EBU representatives. In a statement released afterward, RTÉ noted: “Kevin Bakhurst and Steve Carson met today with the EBU and raised RTÉ’s...