Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1980


Ireland entered the Eurovision Song Contest 1980, sending Johnny Logan to the contest with the song "What's Another Year", written by Shay Healy.

Before Eurovision

National final

The Irish national final to select the Irish representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 1980, was held on 9 March 1980 at the RTÉ Studios in Dublin and was hosted by Larry Gogan. It was organised by the Irish broadcaster of the contest Raidió Teilifís Éireann.
Eight songs were performed live to the Irish viewers and listeners, with the winning song being decided by 10 regional juries across the country. The winner went on to win the Eurovision Song Contest in The Hague, which gave Ireland its second victory, ten years after its first.
DrawArtistSongPointsPlace
1Roy Taylor & Karen Black"Lovin' Won't Let You Down"133
2The Straw Hat and Garter Company"Take Me Back Again"28
3Eileen Reid"The Saddest Show On Earth"104
4Charlie Chapman & The Miami"You're So Cheeky"55
5Johnny Logan"What's Another Year"401
6The Dajacs"You Have "47
7Peter Beckett"Stepping Stones"212
8Romance"Love Is All There Is"55

At Eurovision

The Eurovision Song Contest 1980 was held at the Congresgebouw in The Hague, Netherlands. Ireland performed 17th on the night of the contest, following France and preceding Spain. Logan received 143 points for his performance, winning the contest for Ireland.
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