As a result of the current pandemic, the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest was cancelled. Such news was devastating to fans all over the world, but one Irish fan decided to use the time to bring together Eurovision acts from years gone by to raise some much needed funds for frontline health workers!
Mick Lynch, author of book ‘What’s another year? Ireland’s first five decades at Eurovision’, gathered individuals (remotely!) involved with Ireland in the contest over the years to produce a documentary. The documentary includes unseen material, memories and anecdotes from the contributors, and all money raised was used to provide Irish health workers with personal protective equipment (PPE). In total, Mick managed to raise over €1,268 through GoFundMe.
Familiar Faces
Those featured in the documentary included:
- Dana (Won the 1970 Eurovision Song Contest)
- Marty Whelan (Eurovision commentator for RTÉ)
- Phil Coulter (Wrote the 1967 winning song for the UK)
- Micky Joe Harte (Represented Ireland in 2003)
- Sandy Kelly (Represented Ireland in 1982 as part of group ‘The Duskeys’)
- Maxi (Represented Ireland in 1973)
- Luv Bug (Represented Ireland in 1986)
- Jimmy Walsh (Wrote the 1993 Eurovision winning song)
- The Swarbriggs (Represented Ireland in 1975 and 1977)
- Alma Carroll (Represented Ireland along with The Swarbriggs in 1977)
- Eamonn Toal (Represented Ireland in 2000)
- Marc Roberts (Represented Ireland in 1997)
- Paul Lyttle (Part of band ‘Chips’ who regularly participated in the Irish National Finals)
- Secret Garden (Won the 1995 Eurovision Song Contest for Norway)
- Rowland Soper (Wrote the 1966 Irish Eurovision entry)
- Kim Jackson (Represented Ireland in 1991)
- Cathal Dunne (Represented Ireland in 1979)
When the Irish get together
In an interview with newspaper ‘The Leinster Express’, Mick Lynch said he was ‘over the moon with the amount of money we raised for PPE equipment for our frontline staff, the real heroes in this pandemic’. He went onto say that the result just ’emphasises what I’ve known all along: when the Irish want to get together to achieve something, they can’.
In recognition of this efforts, Mick was presented with a letter of thanks from the HSE (Health Service Executive) this month. ‘I have finally received confirmation from the HSE for the money raised from our recent Eurovision Lockdown fundraiser’. Mick also thanked everyone who supported the campaign and asked for people who watch the video that they may donate directly to the HSE if they wish.
Did you enjoy the video? Do you have a favourite Irish Eurovision entry or memory? Comment below or share your opinion with @escxtra on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.