Ireland: Close to a unique track selection show, Ireland’s TV is on the verge of a unique show!

Irish television seems to be closer than ever to broadcasting a TV show to select the song that will represent the country in the Eurovision Song Contest!

In an interview with EuroTrip, Michael Kealy, said he is enthusiastic and more optimistic than ever about Eurosong, an Irish national final, a TV show to select the country’s Eurovision song. It’s something he has long wanted to happen but due to various circumstances it hasn’t taken shape so far.

It should be remembered at this point that Ireland’s selection of the representation piece is done during the Late Late Show and there is no separate show for this process, which seems to be the case for 2025. Specifically, Kealy said:

“I’m afraid that Eurosong 2025 will still be embedded in The Late Late Show”

The reasons why RTÉ was unable to produce such a show were mainly financial. However, as can be seen from his statements above, the economic plans are gradually changing with Kealy’s optimistic message that the state has made provision for such a programme presentation. Realistically speaking, Kealy stated that Eurosong will be broadcast from 2026 onwards.

“Obviously this will not happen in 2025. I would be optimistic that 2026 is the year that we do that, but I think that’s on the cards and I hope it happens sooner rather than later.”

But RTÉ was caught up in scandal when secret financial deals with former The Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy were revealed. It emerged that Tubridy had been paid €345,000 more than the announced amount for the period 2017-2022, while expenses of more than €100,000 for international travel and the existence of parallel accounts were revealed. The then director general, Dee Forbes, after being suspended, resigned. Kealy said the scandal had hampered plans for an independent Irish selection show in 2024.

Among other things, the presenter said that after 2025 might be the right time to hand over the reins to the new mission. He considers it a privilege to work for Eurovision, but feels guilty about taking it on alone. Clare Hughes, a big Eurovision fan, is an important addition to the Ireland team and a valuable asset ahead of the event in Switzerland in 2024.

“Clare is a big Eurovision fan, which definitely helps, but I think she’ll be a great addition to the Ireland team and definitely a great addition for me ahead of Basel in Switzerland next year.”

We look forward to seeing how things develop in relation to Irish TV’s choices for the upcoming Eurosong in the future!

For all news regarding the contest follow Eurovision Fun!

Source: EuroTrip