The Irish podcast, ‘The Comeback’, recently spoke to Joe McCaul, who represented Ireland at the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv, alongside his sister Donna with their song “Love?” – however they failed to qualify from the semi final.

During the podcast, Joe McCaul had the following to say in regards to his struggles:

“I remember when we didn’t get in, the devastating effect that had on me. I went back to my room, I was only 17, and I struggled very hard because that was more shame, more embarrassment, more rejection. Everyone was going out, and they [sister Donna and the Irish delegation] went to the finals on Saturday night, I didn’t go I just stayed in my hotel room because I just didn’t want to go out.

I think over the years, I was nearly taken advantage of. I was made an eejit out of by people, people in the media. That was hard because I was saying, ‘Where is my self-worth, why can’t I be assertive?”

Let us know what you think about Ireland and the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest – either in the comments below or on our FACEBOOK, BLUESKY, TWITTER, YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM and TIKTOK pages.

The Eurovision Community, which Eurovision Ireland are a part of, celebrates diversity through music. Please keep your comments respectful. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, body-shaming or any other derogatory or hostile language.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: escXtra