Is it just me or has this year’s Eurovision given us some much needed light relief? Something to actually cheer about, to be proud of, to laugh at to ask WTF when some kind of chicken song wins, I mean we sent a Turkey a few years back and got nowhere! (A head of our time lads?) With just under 2 weeks to go until the country goes to the polls to vote in one of the biggest referenda the state has ever seen. Over the last few weeks the debate has heated up, with a lot of “fake news” surrounding both sides of the campaign. While abortion is such a divided subject in Ireland, it reminds me of 3 years ago when the country took to the polls to vote on another issue that would not directly impact the majority of those voting, but meant so much to those it would effect. On May 22nd 2015, the people of Ireland had their say on what making Marriage equal for all. On May 12th 2018, for the first time in 5 years, Ireland got a chance to be in the Eurovision final. With no Jedward or Dustin the Turkey, we sent an act to represent us on a global scale, that promoted same sex love. Ryan O’Shaughnessy wrote a beautiful song and along with a beautiful performance by 2 male dancers showed the world that Ireland is proud of all it’s citizens that everyone no matter who they love are equal and appreciated. You can watch it back here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD1cQ2wZ1dk Although an act that involved clucking chickens won, across Twitter the support for Ireland’s act poured out. With actual pride for the song and act that represented us as a country, to the banter about the 25 other acts gave us a much needed break from the looming referendum. We may slag and make fun of the Eurovision but thank you and thank you for Marty Whelan’s commentary for bringing us some much needed, light Saturday night entertainment.
If you missed the winning Eurovision act and want to see it in all it's crazy glory it's here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84LBjXaeKk4
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