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When Ireland Ruled Eurovision

When Dermot O'Leary was growing up, Ireland didn't have too many successes on the world stage... that is, until Johnny Logan kickstarted an amazing winning spree at Eurovision.

Despite a current losing streak of over 25 years, Ireland are still the most successful nation in Eurovision history, having won seven times. Dermot O'Leary celebrates the golden era of Ireland's Eurovision wins from 1980-1996 that defined his childhood. He chats to all the winners - Johnny Logan, Eimear Quinn, Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan, Linda Martin and Niamh Kavanagh.

Plus, Irish super fans of Eurovision including Father Ted star Ardal O'Hanlon, TV presenter Angela Scanlon, comedian Aisling Bea and presenter Patrick Kielty. Plus the man pulling the strings, X Factor's Louis Walsh, and the creator of Riverdance, Bill Whelan.

It's a story of unexpected successes which firmly put Ireland on the front pages for the right reasons.

57 minutes

Last on

Sat 13 May 2023 01:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2

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Music Played

  • Vienna Philharmonic

    Prelude To Te Deum (Eurovision Theme)

    • Les Meilleurs Generiques Des Series T.V. Francaises.
    • Play Time.
    • 114.

  • Johnny Logan

    What's Another Year

  • U2

    Elevation

    • Now 49 (Various Artists).
    • Now.

  • Linzi Hateley & The London Company of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

    Jacob And Sons

    • Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
    • Polydor Records.
    • 3.

  • Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

    Any Dream Will Do

    • RPO Plays The Shows.
    • Red Cab Records.
    • 7.

  • Johnny Logan

    What's Another Year

    • The Best Of.
    • Sony BMG Music UK.
    • 10.

  • SUNFLY HOUSE BAND

    What's Another Year

    • SUNFLY MUSIC GROUP.

  • Johnny Logan

    Hold Me Now

    • The Best Year Of My Life: 1987.
    • Sony Music UK.
    • 17.

  • Ameritz - Karaoke

    Hold Me Now [Karaoke Version]

    • Karaoke - In the Style of Johnny Logan.
    • Ameritz Music Ltd.
    • 1.

  • Linda Martin

    Terminal 3 (karaoke version)

    • Terminal 3.
    • CBS.

  • Linda Martin

    Terminal 3

    • Terminal 3.
    • CBS.
    • 1.

  • Linda Martin

    Why Me?

    • The Very Best Of Eurovision Song Contest.
    • Universal Music Australia Pty. Ltd..
    • 8.

  • Denis King

    Galloping Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

    Performer: London String Chorale.
    • Polydor Records.

  • Wilson Pickett

    In The Midnight Hour

    • ATCO.

  • Niamh Kavanagh

    In Your Eyes

    • In Your Eyes.
    • Arista.
    • 1.

  • Paul Harrington & Charlie McGettigan

    Rock 'n' Roll Kids (INSTRUMENTAL)

    • Rock n Roll Kids.
    • Rock Kids Music.

  • RTΓ‰ Concert Orchestra, David Brophy & Bill Whelan

    The Countess Cathleen/Women Of The Sidhe

    • Riverdance 25th Anniversary: Music From The Show.
    • UMC - Decca Gold.
    • 3.

  • The Divine Comedy

    My Lovely Horse

    • Divine Comedy Records UK Ltd.

  • Eimear Quinn

    The Voice

    • The Voice.
    • Polydor.
    • 1.

  • Sam Ryder

    SPACE MAN

    • There's Nothing But Space, Man!.
    • Parlophone.

  • Paul Harrington & Charlie McGettigan

    Rock 'n' Roll Kids

    • Rock n Roll Kids.
    • Rock Kids Music.
    • 1.

Broadcast

  • Sat 13 May 2023 01:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2

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