MetaChat - The 1970 Ireland entry to Eurovision

MetaChat is an informal place for MeFites to touch base and post, discuss and chatter about topics that may not belong on MetaFilter. Questions? Check the FAQ. Please note: This is important.

30 April 2007

The 1970 Ireland entry to Eurovision seen by very few americans I'll bet, and the performance has its equally spectacular history. And yes, it has the mandatory swooping oo-OO at 2:58. →[More:]
From Wikipedia: "The entry was politically sensitive as Dana came from Derry in Northern Ireland, yet was representing Ireland, not the United Kingdom. At this time The Troubles in Northern Ireland were erupting, making the political symbolism of a Northern Irishwoman representing the Republic. Following her victory Dana returned to Derry and sang her victorious song to a crowd of cheering wellwishers from a balcony in the city."

Oh, to have video of that latter performance.

post by: mischief at: 19:47 | 4 comments

Heh, was I the only one expecting Mitch Cohen to chime in at some point?

I do know this song, though -- I just can't remember where from.

posted by stilicho 30 April | 22:27

How strange, I was only thinking about this song the other day. Dana later moved into politics, campaigning from an anti-abortion pro-family stance.

Ireland's been very successful in the Eurovision Song Contest over the years. Indeed, one of my all-time favourite songs (and I admit this with no shame) is Johnny Logan's "What's Another Year", which won in 1980, a finely crafted ballad, beautifully sung.

The tradition in Eurovision is that the winning country hosts the contest the following year. Ireland's won it more times than any other country, including three times in row in the 1990s. It's a huge and expensive production to put on, and I think RTE, the Irish Broadcaster, was relieved when someone else won.

Although, had it been down to a certain priest, there might have been another Irish winner ...

And, of course, it's thanks to Eurovision that we have Riverdance.

posted by essexjan 01 May | 00:58

For fans of Father Ted, this has to be my favourite Irish Eurovision entry.

posted by seanyboy 01 May | 02:07

Although I see e/j mentioned it already.

posted by seanyboy 01 May | 02:07

← I JUST MADE SOME KICKASS HUMMUS!!! || Woot! →

HOME || REGISTER || LOGIN