#BIRTHDAY: 5 Apr – Kiev Connolly from Ireland is 70

You have to remember that nations put their reputations on the lines every time they take part in our favourite TV show. It can be a gamble. Will you win? Will you earn a creditable placing? Or will you, erm, not do either of those things?

Our friends in Ireland are having some time out, but in their heyday could mix it with the best. That all started to go wrong in 1989, when today’s birthday boy Kevin “Kiev” Connolly got the gig in Lausanne. He was early on. OK, that was a less of a deal in the 1980s, but up against enough songs to be forgotten by the juries. Let’s just say Ireland has done far far worse since, but maybe song about his other half leaving him wasn’t the best of themes.

Authors: Riigi Ametnik, John Stanton

Source: OnEurope