Ireland was met with heartbreak last night after we failed to qualify for the Eurovision finals this year.
Last night's semi-final saw songstress Lesley Roy battle it out in Rotterdam for a spot in Saturday's final again 14 other nations all bidding for a spot in the contest.
While the Balbriggan native delivered a memorable performance of her rip roaring tracks 'Maps' the night ended in disappointment after she failed to qualify.
The singer broke down in tears as she sang her last note on stage, as she thanked the crowd in attendance and watching at home on screens for their support.
Meanwhile, there was some confusion at home as there was a slight delay before she got to take to the stage this evening.
It was a long wait for the singer to make it to the event after missing out on her first chance last year, due to the pandemic.
Last night Roy broke her silence on social media after the disappointing result saying she 'gave it her all.'
She wrote on Instagram: "I gave it my all for Ireland for the last 18+ months! I am so grateful for such an amazing team and creative staging. This Eurovision experience has been so memorable during such a historic time for everyone across the globe.
Roy later added on Twitter: "Thanks folks, what a fun staging ! Thanks for trying a unique concept for us and good luck for your next artist and staging. Good Night and good Luck"
Cyprus, Ukraine, Israel, Sweden and Norway were among some of the more memorable performances last night that have secured a spot in the final this weekend.
The next semi final will take place on Thursday night before the main event on Saturday.
The United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Italy gain automatic entry into the final as they are the ‘Big Five’ countries.
Ireland holds the record for the most wins in the contest with seven and we are the only country to have won three times consecutively.
However, the last time Ireland qualified for the final was in 2018, with Ryan O’Shaughnessy’s song Together.
