Only Dolan survives Eurovision cut

With a voice as good as his looks and a bodhrán backing beat, Ryan Dolan was chosen last night to represent Ireland in the 2013 Eurovision.

‘Only Love Survives’, co-written by Wez Devine and Dolan, beat four other finalists in the national contest hosted on the Late Late Show.

A nail-biting finish decided by a combination of regional juries and tele-voters saw the song run neck-and-neck with ‘Crashing Down’, a ballad sung by Aimee Fitzpatrick. In the end, a mere two votes separated the two.

Dolan will now go forward to represent Ireland in Malmo, Sweden, where Linda Martin won the Eurovision 21 years ago.

“I am so happy,” said Dolan after he was announced the winner. “I was more nervous during the voting in the last 15 minutes that I was during the whole performance.”

In common with song competitions like the X Factor, each contestant had the help of a special music mentor nominated by RTÉ.

The five acts who competed were: Aimée, Zoë Alexis Bohorquez, Ryan Dolan, Inchequin, and Kasey.

They are mentored by Niall Mooney, Stuart O’Connor, Mark McCabe, Shay Healy, and Mairéad Farrell respectively.

Some familiar Eurovision faces appeared on the show.

Paul Harrington, who won the contest in 1994 for Ireland, accompanied Aimée on piano. Donna McCaul, who represented Ireland in 2005 and also participated in EuroSong 2012, provided backing vocals to Zoe Alexis Bohorquez. Lordi, winners of the 2006 Eurovision for Finland, made a guest appearance, ahead of their European tour.

While we have not won the contest since 1996, Ireland remains the most successful Eurovision nation, winning seven, including three consecutive wins. Eighteen Irish entries finished in the top five while Ireland has been relegated once, in 2001.

Ireland will compete in the first semi-final on Tuesday, May 14. The final takes place on Saturday May 18.

Picture: Ryan Dolan told Ryan Tubridy he was more nervous during the voting than the performance. Picture: Maxwells