Ireland fails to qualify for Eurovision final: A fan's view
By Karl Fradgley, in Copenhagen
So we didn’t qualify - and from the arena, it was clear it wasn't going to happen long before the votes came in.
Many believe Irish hopes were dashed by RTE's decision to keep the accompanying Irish dancers, with the resulting tone of tradition.
Ireland's failure to progress though, will hopefully give those behind the selection the wake-up call they need. This is not 2002 after all. We need something modern and current and not a faux oirish diddle dee aye sing along that no one will ever vote for.
It will be disappointing watching the show on Saturday without our own team to cheer on. We will have to find someone else to support.
Last night did however offer us the chance to witness the birth of a potential new pop icon - Conchita Wurst from Austria quite simply blew the roof off the arena.
She has been getting all the press interest here in Copenhagen for her dramatic appearance, as well as being the target of transphobic and homophobic commentary from many parts of eastern Europe.
Tonight though this artist proved to the the world why she is entitled and deserves to be here. She blew the socks off everyone in the arena and I for one have never experienced the adoration and the praise - the crowd were literally chanting her name.
Conchita broke down after her performance in tears due to the reaction of the crowd. Austria went from 25/1 outsider to 2/1 favourite in the space of 10 minutes after her performance and a star has been born.
The jury is out as to whether Austria can actually win on Saturday. I am not sure that the viewers from Eastern Europe will give her enough votes to actually win, but then again there are superb entries from The Netherlands, Malta, Denmark, Sweden, UK, Armenia, Spain and Greece that would all make worthy winners.
Regardless of the outcome, Danish TV need to be congratulated on an outstanding production and for inviting the audience to embrace the festival like never before.
