Ukraine celebrates Eurovision win

Ukraine is celebratibg winning the Eurovision song content last night after a vote which owed more to political and geographical allegiences than to musical judgement.

Ireland, regular winners of Eurovision, had a disappointing night, earning just seven points, all of which were awarded by the UK.

Waterford's Chris Doran, 24, sang If My World Stopped Turning which was penned by former Westlife singer Bryan McFadden and Jonathan Shorten.

It was left to Norway to carry the shaming mantle of the lowest score with three, while winners Ukraine clinched the title with 280 points. Ireland finished second lowest.

The glitzy Eurovision affair, held in Istanbul, saw Ukrainians as cavemen, Turks in tartan and Greeks ripping off their trousers.

Providing the interim entertainment as the votes were gathered, the Turkish performed an unusual rendition of RiverDance.

RESULTS FROM 49TH EUROVISION SONG CONTEST IN ISTANBUL

1. Ukraine

2. Serbia and Montenegro

3. Greece

4. Turkey

5. Cyprus

6. Sweden

7. Albania

8. Germany

9. Bosnia and Herzegovina

10. Spain

11. Russia

12. Malta

13. Croatia

14. Macedonia

15. France

16. United Kingdom

17. Poland

18. Romania

19. Iceland

20. Netherlands

21. Austria

22. Belgium

23. Ireland

24. Norway