Ireland have failed to qualify for the Eurovison Song Contest.
Kasey Smith and the Irish traditional group Can-Linn, performance of the song “Heartbeat” was not one of the ten acts chosen from 15 competitors to advance to Saturday’s final. It is first time Ireland has failed to qualify since 2009.
Smith was quoted saying “We were delighted we got to represent our country on a world stage,”. “Being in the final would have been a bonus but you can just never predict how these things are going to go. We put our heart and soul into it and gave it our all. It’s given me a real taste for being on the stage and as far as I’m concerned, this is only the beginning for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.”
The head of RTÉ’s Eurovision delegation, Michael Kealy made a statement on behalf of the RTE, in which he said that the broadcaster was “devastated for them, considering all the work that went in. Eurovision is so unpredictable. Kasey is a real up and coming talent, as are the rest of the group, and I have no doubt they’ll do well. I’m so proud of them all. They couldn’t have given any more.”