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For decades, Ireland was the definition of Eurovision success. The nation dominated the contest in the 1990s, securing four victories in just five years, and ultimately becoming the most successful country in Eurovision history with a total of seven wins. However, in recent years, Ireland’s Eurovision fortunes have taken a dramatic turn for the worse. Once a Eurovision powerhouse, Ireland now struggles to even qualify for the grand final, raising the question: what happened to Ireland’s winning streak?

Ireland’s Eurovision glory days peaked in the 1990s, beginning with Linda Martin’s win in 1992 with “Why Me?”. This victory was followed by Niamh Kavanagh’s “In Your Eyes” in 1993, Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids” in 1994, and Eimear Quinn’s ethereal “The Voice” in 1996. During this period, Ireland’s entries captivated Europe with their powerful ballads and exceptional vocal performances.

By the early 2000s, Eurovision had changed significantly. The introduction of televoting, semi-finals, and a growing number of participating countries made the competition fiercer. Musical trends also shifted, with more emphasis on contemporary pop, energetic performances, and visually striking staging. Ireland’s traditional formula of ballads and simplicity no longer resonated with the evolving tastes of Eurovision audiences.

Ireland’s decline can also be traced to internal factors, particularly its national selection process. Over the years, the selection method has varied, with from national finals to internal selections inconsistent results. This lack of a clear, consistent strategy has often led to entries that fail to resonate with both domestic and international audiences.

Can Ireland Reclaim Its Glory?

Ireland and Sweden are standing as the undisputed powerhouses of the Eurovision Song Contest. With Sweden’s recent wins, including Loreen’s historic second victory in 2023, the country has tied with Ireland, each having seven victories. However, while Sweden continues to dominate the competition, Ireland’s last win was more than 25 years go, but the tide could be turning, as Ireland’s 2024 entry, Bambie Thug’s “Doomsday Blue” placed 6th, marking a significant comeback for the nation and recording the largest Grand Final audience in Ireland since 2018, and a 53% increase in viewing audience compared to 2023.

The entry’s success was the result of a deliberate strategy to embrace modern musical trends while staying true to Ireland’s unique artistic voice. “Doomsday Blue” was a bold departure from the traditional ballads Ireland was once known for, blending dark, with hauntingly poetic lyrics that resonated with both the jury and the public. The song’s compelling staging also played a key role in its success. With its striking visual effects, powerful choreography, and an emotionally charged performance from Bambie Thug, Ireland’s entry captured the attention of Eurovision audiences across Europe.

Ireland’s success with “Doomsday Blue” signals that the nation is on the right track to reclaim its former Eurovision glory. By continuing to prioritize quality songwriting, innovative staging, and a clear artistic vision, Ireland can once again compete with Sweden and other Eurovision giants.

The success of Bambie Thug’s entry has not only demonstrated that Ireland is capable of adapting to the modern Eurovision landscape while retaining its unique cultural identity, but it has also reignited the Eurovision spirit among the Irish people. This year’s strong performance could inspire a new wave of artists to step forward with bold, original songs, eager to represent Ireland on the Eurovision stage. If the nation continues down this path, it may not be long before Ireland once again stands on top of the Eurovision stage as the most successful country in the competition’s history.