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EUROVISION SONG CONTEST SEMI-FINALS

DUSTIN & IRISH FLAGS Image Name: DUSTIN & IRISH FLAGS Description: EUROSONG 2008 Copyright: © (RTÉ).  This image may be reproduced in print or electronic format forpromotional purposes only.
DUSTIN THE TURKEY Image Name: DUSTIN THE TURKEY Description: EUROSONG 2008 Copyright: © (RTÉ).  This image may be reproduced in print or electronic format forpromotional purposes only.
Eurovision Dustin Image Name: Eurovision Dustin Description: Eurovision Song Contest Copyright: © (RTE).  This image may be reproduced in print or electronic format forpromotional purposes only.
Dustin the Turkey Image Name: Dustin the Turkey Description: WE tv Copyright: © (RTÉ. Photo Credit: Denis O' Farrell).  This image may be reproduced in print or electronic format forpromotional purposes only.

 

RTÉ Television broadcasts live coverage of the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest live from Belgrade.  A record number of 43 countries will be represented at the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest. And for the first time, the contest features two semi-finals.

This year, all countries barring the UK, Spain, Germany, France and last year’s winner Serbia, must compete in one of two semi-finals to qualify for the Eurovision Final on Saturday 24 May. Dustin The Turkey will perform in the first Eurovision semi-final on Tuesday 20 May with the second Semi-Final taking place on Thursday 22 May.

Both semi-finals will be broadcast live on RTÉ Two television from 8 to 10pm.  Marty Whelan will be back in the commentary position to guide us through each evening’s proceedings.

Dustin carrys Ireland’s hopes on Tuesday 20 May as he competes against 18 other acts to win a place in Saturday night’s final.  Can Dustin restore Ireland’s proud Eurovision tradition and take the Eurovision home to Ireland?  

Dustin is up for the challenge.  He said, “the truth is that over the last decade Ireland has had another famine, only this time it’s not the potatoes that died but our rich and glorious tradition of Eurovision hits. So, as ever, the onus of restoring our nation to greatness has fallen on my wings.   VIVA EUROPOP! VIVA POULTRY! VIVA IRELAND! VIVA EUROVISION!”

Irish viewers will be eligible to vote in the first Semi-Final on Tuesday 20 May and the Final on Saturday 24 May.  Voting details to follow.