Dervish braced for Eurovision showdown

Final preparations are under way today in the Irish camp at the Eurovision song contest in Helsinki.

Despite predictions that trad group Dervish face an uphill battle, fans are still hoping the country could boast its eighth Eurovision win.

A record breaking 42 countries are taking part in the 52nd Eurovision Song Contest in Finland, with 24 making it through to tomorrow’s final.

The top 10 from last year’s contest – which included Ireland’s entry with Brian Kennedy – were guaranteed a place in the final, along with France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Ten other countries also qualified through the semi final held during the week, including a host of Eastern European nations.

While the party atmosphere continues across Finland, last year’s winner - monster band Lordi – is set to hand over the crown.

Television viewers from all 42 participating countries will be able to vote for their favourite entries.

Ireland made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1965 and has won it a record seven times.

However, the chances of another victory are looking increasingly remote.

One betting website has offered Ireland’s entry They can’t stop the Spring at odds of 74-1, although it is being backed for a top 10 showing and has shortened from 6-1 into 3-1 in that market.

“It looks like we’re really up against it this year,” said Betfair’s Eoin Ryan.

“Although the Irish high street betting firms have Ireland as a 33-1 shot, they are 74-1 on Betfair – where it is the punters themselves who set the odds.

“Irish bookies know that they will get patriotic bets for Ireland, and hence they’ll keep the odds a bit shorter than they should be.

“The Betfair odds would be a more accurate reflection of our chances of winning, although a top 10 finish is certainly a possibility judged by the betting.”

Dana won the contest in 1970 with the million-seller All Kinds of Everything, 10 years later Johnny Logan scooped it with What’s Another Year, and again in 1987 with Hold Me Now.

In 1992 You’re a Star judge Linda Martin came first with Why Me – written by Logan – and the following year Niamh Kavanagh won with In Your Eyes.

Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan made it three years running with Rock ’n’ Roll Kids in 1994 when Riverdance stole the show.

Our last win, in 1996, was with Eimear Quinn’s The Voice.

Last year Brian Kennedy finished in 10th place.

Following Thursday’s semi-final, it looks like Eastern European nations could dominate the finale – with The Ukraine proving a hugely popular bet with punters. Belarus, Latvia, Serbia, and Russia are also being backed.