Significant changes appear to be underway at Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ, regarding the country’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which will be held in Vienna. These developments begin with the appointment of a new Head of Delegation, as Alan Tyler, Director of RTÉ’s Entertainment and Music Division, now assumes primary responsibility for Ireland’s representation at the contest.

Tyler joined RTÉ in May 2022, having previously worked at the BBC as Executive Editor for Entertainment. During his time there, he collaborated on several successful shows, including Strictly Come Dancing, All Round to Mrs. Brown’s, and Comic Relief. Joining him on the Eurovision team is Katherine Drohan, RTÉ’s Commissioning Editor for Entertainment and Music, who will serve as Deputy Head of Delegation. This marks the first time that a department head at RTÉ will also be responsible for coordinating Ireland’s Eurovision entry.

This change follows the replacement of Michael Kealy, who had served as Head of Delegation since 2013. During his tenure, Ireland managed to qualify for the Grand Final only three times (in 2013, 2018, and 2024), achieving a single top-10 finish. His time in the role also drew notable criticism from Eurovision fans, particularly regarding the national selection process and the country’s overall performance in recent years.

It’s worth noting that Ireland’s national selection show, Eurosong, is held as part of a special segment on the Late Late Show—a format that has drawn serious concerns about the production quality, media exposure, and lack of international interest. Kealy had previously expressed intentions to revamp this process.

When asked about the selection process for Eurovision 2026, RTÉ stated:

“Details on the selection approach for Ireland’s entry to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will be published in due course.”

It should be recalled that Ireland was represented at Eurovision 2025 by EMMY with the song Laika Party, which placed 13th in the Second Semi-Final, earning a total of 28 points.

 

Source: Irish Independent 

 

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