You no doubt will all be aware by now that this year is the 70 year anniversary of our beloved contest .It’s come a long way from that day back in 1956 when Lys Assia sang her way to victory for Switzerland in the first ever song contest . We at Eurovision Ireland have decided in the days leading up to the Grand Final ,to mark the seventy years by looking back on our memories over the years that we have been involved in the contest be it be as a TV viewer during our younger years or during the media work that we do . Today I will share Richard’s memories .

What’s your favourite ever Eurovision song and why?

Cornelia Jakobs and the Swedish entry “Hold Me Closer”. I champion the majority of Swedish entries, however “Hold Me Now” is close to my heart for personal reasons.

Eurovision has seen many changes in 70 years . If you could turn the clock back, which decade would you go back to and why?

I would like to go back to the 1990’s. It was the decade that transitioned from the original line-up, into welcoming our Eastern Europe neighbours for the first time. The 1990’s also, unfortunately saw the end of singing in your own language and the end of the orchestra.

Are there any songs you feel should have won but didn’t ?

KAJ and “Bara bada bastu” – the Swedish entry from last year. It proved popular and that English isn’t necessarily required for a popular entry.

What is your most memorable moment from all the years you have watched the contest?

The moment we found out that Liverpool would hold the Contest on behalf of Ukraine. For a slight moment, concern may have crossed my mind, but I was blown away and proud to be British that fortnight.

Who are your favourite Eurovision hosts and why?

Terry Wogan & Ulrika Jonsson from 1998. Terry was very dry, while Ulrika was quite witty at times, as well as dropping the odd blooper.

What is your favourite Irish entry from 70 years of Eurovision?

Johnny Logan & “Hold Me Now”. A classic winner for the time.

What is your favourite interval act out of all the 70 years?

The interval act from 1998. It celebrated all things cultural that the UK had to offer – which compared to these days are an absolute delight, when former participants are reportedly rolled out year in, year out.

What are your favourite memories of Eurovision over the years?

Let us know what you think of Eurovision and the seventy year anniversary by leaving us a comment below and you can find us on our Facebook, X , Instagram and Bluesky feeds .

You can find Part Two of this series HERE

Author : Sarah Rudman

Source : Eurovision Ireland Sky News, You Tube