The final of Junior Eurovision Éire 2023 – Ireland’s national selection for Junior Eurovision has taken place, where the three remaining finalists that remain in the running to be Ireland’s representative fought for the chance to represent Ireland in France. Jessica McKean emerged victorious and winning the right to represent Ireland in Nice.
Junior Eurovision Éire 2023 Final – a recap
The final of Junior Eurovision Éire 2023 was broadcast on Sunday (October 8th) on TG4, after the heats and semi-finals were filmed previously at RTÉ studios in Dublin. Presenters Louise Cantillon and Darragh Ó Caoimh made a return as hosts for the show, reprising their role from 2021 and 2022 respectively.
The competing artists and the songs they performed tonight were as follows:
| Order | Artist | Cover Song (in Irish) | Eurovision Cover |
| 1 | Jessica McKean | “Always” by Gavin James | “Hold Me Now” by Johnny Logan |
| 2 | Clare Keeley | “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi | “Why Me” by Linda Martin |
| 3 | Niamh Beatrix Smith | “Waiting For Love” by Avicii | “Together” by Ryan O’Shaughnessy |
Similar to previous editions of the national selection, two permanent judges were joined by a special guest judge. For the Semi-Final, the judges were:
- Niamh Nà ChróinÃn – presenter, manager of Raidió RÃ-Rá
- Aindri̼ de Paor Р2FM DJ
- Mickey Joe Harte – Ireland’s Eurovision representative for 2003
In line with last year’s final the judges in the final were only providing the commentary, as this year the viewers were given the final say as to who will be Ireland’s Junior Eurovision 2023 representative as they voted online since the Semi-Finals, and selected Jessica McKean to be their representative.
With Junior Eurovision Éire 2023 finished, and Clare Keeley selected as their representative, the song that Jessica will sing and represent Ireland will be revealed in due course.
Ireland’s Junior Eurovision Journey
Ireland first participated in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2015. Débuting alongside Australia, Ireland was represented by Aimee Banks singing ” Réalta na Mara”. At the close of voting, Ireland finished in 12th place – receiving 36 points. Ireland has since participated a further seven times. Their best placement came in 2022, when Sophie Lennon finished in fourth place with her song “Solas”.
In 2022, Sophie Lennon represented Ireland in Yerevan with her song “Solas”. Ireland’s most recent participation, she finished 4th in a field of 16, earning 150 points. Of these, 88 came from professional juries, whilst the remaining 62 were from the online vote.
Are you looking forward to what Ireland will bring to Junior Eurovision 2023? What is your favourite Irish Junior Eurovision entry? Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we gear up for Junior Eurovision 2023!
News Source: TG4
Photo Credit: TG4
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