Sure look, we’ve won it a bunch of times. That’s all that matters innit.
Our reign of success if well and truly over. We’ve failed to qualify for the final three years running and now poor hopeful Nicky Byrne has failed to secure a place in the final.
He’s as disappointed as we are.
“Obviously I'm disappointed - I really would have loved to represent Ireland at the final on Saturday, but sometimes things just don't work out the way you want them to. I went out there and gave it my absolute best shot” he said.
“I've had such an amazing time in Stockholm and I'm so glad I had the honour of representing Ireland at Eurovision. I've had some brilliant experiences and met fantastic people so I'll take those special memories with me. I have no regrets - life is short and it was an incredible opportunity to represent my country in front of a global audience. I would recommend it to any music act to take on the challenge next year - there is no bigger platform. Over 200 million people watch the Eurovision and with America broadcasting the for the first time this year and Justin Timberlake performing during the interval act it just goes to show how popular and loved it is.
“I want to thank Team Ireland - Ian, Jay, Janet, Jennifer and Johann for all their hard work. It was brilliant to have such a great team with me. Thanks and love to Georgina, the kids and my family, thanks to friends, colleagues,my management team Tim and Joanne, RTE and Universal for all the support in recent months. There are too many people to thank - you know who you are and I'm very grateful for all the support you've shown me. Thanks to all the fans and everyone around the world who voted.”
“When I get home I'm looking forward to promoting the new album Sunlight. I'm so proud that I had the opportunity to fly the flag for Ireland at Eurovision 2016.”
It’s all politics.
