Ireland confirmed participation in Eurovision 2026.
Although the selection method has yet to be revealed, some changes to the delegation members have already been implemented.
Over the recent years, Ireland hasn’t achieved impressive results, with only 3 qualifications since 2013 (2013, 2018, and 2024). However, the country has managed to finish in the top 10 in 2024.
Some Eurovision fans criticized the decision to feature the national selection as part of “The Late Late Show”.
According to the Irish Independent, the following changes have been made to the Irish delegation:
- Alan Tyler will be the new Head of Delegation. Previously, he has worked as Executive Editor for the BBC and was involved in shows like “Strictly Come Dancing”, “All Round to Mrs Brown’s”, and “Comic Relief”. Since 2022, Tyler has functioned as Head of Entertainment and Music at RTÉ. He takes Michael Kealy‘s place.
- Michael Kealy will serve as co-executive producer of “The Late Late Show”.
- Katherine Drohan will serve as Deputy Head of Delegation after having served as Entertainment and Music Editor for RTÉ. She will take Clare Hughes‘s place.
(Michael Kealy, Head of Irish Delegation between 2013 and 2025)
Kealy shared in the past:
“No other producer in RTÉ has to put up with the abuse I get … and you wouldn’t want to have too thin a skin” to take on the role of Eurovision head of delegation.
People write to the director general telling her to fire me, they don’t just write to me”
Will the new delegation members bring with them new fortune and new spirit to the Irish participation in the contest?
EMMY represented Ireland in Eurovision 2025
She performed “Laika Party” and didn’t qualify for the final:
Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th, and 16th, 2026.
