The 1993 Irish Eurovision winner, Niamh Kavanagh, has shed some light on Ireland’s withdrawal from the forthcoming Eurovision 2026 edition in Vienna.
Niamh Kavanagh who is currently competing in Dancing with the Stars has shared her thoughts regarding Ireland’s Eurovision 2026 boycott and RTE’s decision not to broadcast the competition. She spoke to RTE Entertainment regarding this matter.
Niamh respects RTE’s decision to withdraw from the ESC 2026 and not broadcasting the show due to Israel’s Eurovision 2026 participation.
The 1993 Irish Eurovision winner, notes that recent years have been particularly difficult for performers who travel to the contest with a delegation can often find themselves answer questions on issues beyond their participation at the ESC and their music.
Niamh Kanavagh told RTE Entertainment:
I respect RTÉ for making the decision to pull out before an artist is involved. When you go over there, you are technically representing you and RTÉ and the delegation… and the country. And the reality is you are held responsible for what’s happening in that space.
Niamh also shared some words of advice on future contestants regarding participating at Eurovision:
I think anything that your heart is in is worth it. Don’t try to be Eurovision. Don’t try to be anything other than yourself in that space.
Niamh Kavanagh has competed at the Eurovision Song Contest twice, namely in 1993 when she won the competition and gave Ireland its 5th Eurovision victory in Millstreet with her epic entry ‘In Your Eyes’ and in 2010 in Oslo.
