#OBITUARY: Liam Reilly has died aged 65

Legendary Irish singer/songwriter Liam Reilly died aged 65 on 1 January. An incredibly popular figure in the Irish entertainment industry, the Eurovision community will best remember him for coming second in the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest in Zagreb.

In 1978 he became part of the Irish showband Bagatelle. They released their first album in 1980 and Liam remanied them for several years before moving to Georgia, recording his first solo album Savannah Serenade.

His first foray into the world of Eurovision was in 1988 when he performed Lifeline in Eurosong held at the Olympia Theatre. Looking to get to sing in Dublin, he finished second to Take him home by Jump The Gun. Here’s the live audio version.

Not undaunted, he came back in 1990, and his classic self-composed song Somewhere in Europe came second to Italy, but signalled the start of a golden decade for Ireland and its broadcaster RTÉ. During the 1990s, Ireland registered four wins and two runners-up spots.

The next year he returned as composer to the song Could it be that I’m in love, performed by Kim Jackson. It only just won Eurosong 1991 held at the RTÉ TV Centre in Dublin. In a very tough contest in May in Zagreb, this ballad finished 10th.

Liam was due to turn 66 on 29 January. Eurovision Ireland’s thoughts are with Liam’s family and friends at this sad time.

Author: John Stanton

Source: Eurovision Ireland