'Macroom is very excited': Bambie Thug’s hometown gearing up to support singer in Eurovision

Some people will be watching the song contest for the first time in years, such is the buzz around Macroom for Bambie Thug’s Eurovision performance

Sophie Corcoran was busy decorating the window  of her eSmoke Store in support of Bambie Thug'a appearance in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night. The town of Macroom is planning an outdoor 'watch party' in the town square from 7pm on Saturday night . Picture: Larry Cummins

Excitement for Bambie Thug’s Eurovision performance on Saturday is sending WhatsApp groups into overdrive as locals in the artist’s hometown find creative ways to show their support.

The non-binary artist will be the first Irish Eurovision Song Contest finalist since Ryan O’Shaughnessy qualified in 2018. Bambie was among 10 competing countries to make it through to the final in last Tuesday’s semi-final with their performance of Doomsday Blue in Malmo. 

Many locals of Macroom have fond memories of the singer who grew up in the town.

Sophie Corcoran told of her connection to the star while creating artwork for a local shop window in support of the musician. The piece paid homage to the singer's fans' resounding battle cry "crown the witch". 

Sophie Corcoran: 'We always knew they were artistic.' Picture: Larry Cummins

“Their cousin went to primary and secondary school and Bambie always looked out for her since she was a lot younger,” Sophie explained. “From what I remember we were in first year when Bambie was in sixth year. That’s how I know them. 

"During art class the teacher used to show us their Leaving Cert projects saying that this is what the teachers were going to be looking for in our Leaving Cert exams. We always knew they were artistic."

Bambie’s eccentric style set them apart long before their music career hit the stratosphere.

“Macroom is such a small town. There was one day they were here and you could spot them a mile off. You knew who they were straight away.” 

Sophie described why Bambie’s music can be divisive.

“Because it’s such a small town people always tend to have an opinion. At the moment some have a negative opinion because they were focusing on the church element. 

"Some people mention the words demonic and satanic but they need to look at the beauty of the performance. It’s more to do with the aesthetic. I feel like since Bambie got through to the final this is going to turn around people’s opinions and encourage them to be more supportive. 

You wouldn’t think of mixing ballet with screaming but they made it work. A lot of people don’t think outside the box at all whereas Bambie has always been outside the box. They make it their own stage and their own world.

Connie Foley, who is also a local of Macroom spoke of how Bambie’s talent runs in the family.

“Their mum texted me after the semi-finals on Tuesday. We did a few John B Keane plays together. She played different parts including a role in a production of Murder at Shandy Hall with Patrick Bergin. 

"Bambie is a chip off the old block because their mum Laura is a beautiful singer and actress who could have pursued this herself.  She is very supportive of the children and always had their backs. 

"This will be my first time watching the competition in years and I am really looking forward to Bambie’s performance. They have a great chance.” 

(Left to right) Florists Caitriona Healy-O'Brien and Martina Kelleher outside Enchanted Flowers in Macroom which they decorated in support of Bambie Thug. Picture: Larry Cummins

Jock Neville is also looking forward to the show.

“Bambie is a great talent and the song is unusual. It was a good old performance. There was great stage craft. Bambie is positive and not afraid of being in the limelight. The song is not my cup of tea but it was a brilliant performance.” 

James Walsh summed up the buzz in the area adding: “I work in the Castle Hotel and the place is going to be crazy for the final. To be fair, Macroom is very excited. Everyone is fairly chuffed with it. You can see it in all the WhatsApp groups.

"There will definitely be a great buzz around the town for the night of it. There has been a lot of people ringing to book tables. It’s something different for sure. We have some great musicians around here but nobody with that level of fame.” 

Independent local election candidate Martin Coughlan joked that he hopes Bambie also gets the public’s vote.

“Today I’m canvassing for Bambie Thug but the voice is gone after all the celebrations the other night,” he said. “I know Bambie and their sisters since they were very small. They are a very nice family. 

(Left to right) Aisling Burns, Rory Buckley and Oliwia Wyka getting ready to party at The Castle Hotel in Macroom for Bambie Thug's Eurovision appearance on Saturday night. Picture: Larry Cummins

"Bambie was born and bred in Macroom so we will always claim them as our own. Last night we got a few scoldings while canvassing because people were afraid they would miss the show but even I got home to see it. 

"There will be some celebrating on Saturday night.“

Bambie Thug is not the only celebrity making Macroom proud. North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos defender Erika O'Shea who signed a new two-year deal with the club last year is glad to be back on Irish soil to watch the Eurovision final with her family this weekend.

“This is such a small town and Bambie is doing Macroom proud. I don’t know them personally but I heard people talk about them. We all sat around to watch them in the semi-finals and my friends said their families did the same. They are doing us all so proud. We hope they bring it home.”