Ireland’s Eurovision Future: Will the Late Late Eurosong Format Ever Be Shaken Up?

For years now, Eurovision fans in Ireland have been treated (or subjected) to the familiar format of Eurosong shoehorned into the Late Late Show—a setup that’s left many wondering if the time has come for a fresher, standalone national selection show. Well, don’t hold your breath for 2025!

In an exclusive interview with The Euro Trip, Irish Head of Delegation Michael Kealy confirmed that the Late Late Eurosong format is here to stay, at least for next year. “It’s still going to be Eurosong (2025) on The Late Late Show, I’m afraid,” Kealy said. So, why no standalone show? What’s holding Ireland back from stepping up its Eurovision game?

The short answer: Money. Or, more specifically, a lack of it.

Kealy acknowledged that RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster, has been battling with financial troubles that shook the whole country last summer. The infamous RTÉ scandal of 2023, which revealed dodgy financial arrangements with former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy, threw the broadcaster into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. From hidden barter accounts to international trips costing eye-watering amounts, it was a scandal that gutted any hope of a flashy new Eurovision selection show.

But the winds of change might be on the horizon—just not as soon as we’d hope. “There was a fair chance that Ireland could’ve had a standalone selection show in 2024,” Kealy revealed. “But the financial scandal halted that plan. I’d be hopeful that 2026 is the year we can finally do it.”

Does that mean Kealy will stick around to see Ireland’s Eurovision fortunes change? Maybe not. With Clare Hughes joining the team as Co-Head of Delegation, the groundwork is being laid for a succession plan. Kealy hinted at the possibility of passing the Eurovision baton to a new generation: “We’ll see what happens after 2025… it may be a good opportunity for me to step down.”

One thing’s for sure: Ireland needs a change if they want to return to their former Eurovision glory. The Late Late Show can only take them so far, but it seems that 2026 may finally bring a new era for Ireland in the contest—if the cash holds out!

Source: The Euro trip