Following the news from Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS that they would not be participating in the 2027 Song Contest, Irish public broadcaster RTÉ has said a decision on their participation will be made “in due course”. The broadcaster withdrew from the 2026 Contest due to the participation of Israel.
RTÉ to make decision “in due course”
Irish broadcaster RTÉ has yet to make a final decision on the country’s participation in Eurovision 2027. Following the announcement of AVROTROS’ withdrawal from the 2027 Contest, a spokesperson for RTÉ told The Irish Sun:
We note the recent changes announced by the EBU regarding the Eurovision Song Contest. RTÉ will be making a decision regarding its participation in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in due course.
RTÉ were one of five broadcasters to withdraw from the 2026 Song Contest held in Vienna. Following the December 2025 EBU General Assembly Vote, the broadcaster announced they would not participate while Israeli broadcaster KAN was in the Contest. Ireland joined Spain and Slovenia in neither participating, nor broadcasting the 2026 Song Contest. Both the Netherlands and Iceland withdrew from the Contest, but still broadcast the 70th anniversary show in their territories.
Ireland’s Eurovision Journey
In 1965, Ireland made their debut in the Eurovision Song Contest with Butch Moore and the song “Walking the Streets in the Rain”. The song placed 6th in the country’s first Eurovision appearance. Since their debut, Ireland has participated 57 times (making the Grand Final 46 times). The country has won the competition seven times, which is currently tied with Sweden for the record of most wins.
Ireland’s latest Eurovision participation saw them being represented by Norwegian singer EMMY with her song “Laika Party”. At the close of voting, Ireland would fail to qualify from the second semi-final, earning 28 points – ultimately placing thirteenth. Ireland withdrew from the Contest ahead of the 2026 edition in Vienna, due to the participation of Israel.
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News source: RTÉ
Photo credit: RTÉ
Rory Gannon