Irish Eurovision hopeful Sarah McTernan said she feels a sense of calm ahead of her performance in Tel Aviv on Thursday night.
The 25-year-old singer is set to fly the flag for Ireland with her song 22 during the second semi-final but revealed watching the first show on Tuesday from the wings has settled any nerves.
The Co Clare woman said: “We went up to the commentary box and had a few chats and went on the commentary for about 30 seconds and it was nice.
“I thought it would be like if your friend or someone gets a tattoo together, your friend goes first and you are like, ‘Ah God’ and more nervous, so I thought it would be like that. But it actually brought me a sense of calmness and relaxation almost, feeling the vibe of the audience and actually enjoying the concert will probably make me ease into it a bit more so it was really good and I know what to expect.
“I’m really excited to get on stage and do the dress rehearsal. Everything is just together and I’m just buzzing.
“I can’t wait to just get up there and do it.”
Meanwhile, Irish singer Damien Dempsey said he doesn’t think RTE should be broadcasting the annual competition tonight. The 43-year-old folk star joined a list of protesters to call out the national broadcaster for attending the competition in Tel Aviv this week.
Speaking at the Custom House in Dublin yesterday to voice his support for the Raise The Roof housing rally in the city on Saturday, he said: “I think until the Palestinians are treated with more dignity and respect it shouldn’t be held in Tel Aviv.”
Damien added that while he has never been asked to compete for Ireland, he would have never attended while it is being held in the country.
He said: “I’m in a cultural boycott against Israel. I was never asked. The stuff I write wouldn’t be suitable.”
