IRELAND’S REPRESENTATIVE at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Israel has been confirmed.
RTÉ has revealed that 24-year-old singer Sarah McTernan will perform for the Emerald Isle in this year’s competition, which is set to take place in Tel Aviv on May 18th.
The Scariff, Co Clare singer is most famous for her appearances in the 2015 edition of The Voice of Ireland, where she finished third.
McTernan will be hoping to go one better in Israel with the song 22, which has been written by Janieck, Marcia Sondeijker and Roulsen.
The 24-year-old will perform the song live for the first time on this Sunday’s edition of Dancing with the Stars on RTÉ One as part of a special Eurovision Song Contest-themed programme, which will also include performance from Johnny Logan.
"When I heard it at first, I just thought it was so catchy,” McTernan told RTE.
"It's a proper earworm. I thought it was really poppy and really current. It's a really strong song for Eurovision."
The song has garnered a mixed reaction on Twitter.
One user appeared downbeat on Ireland's chances, stating: "I can safely say that we won’t be going to Dublin next year."
Others were more positive with one follower declaring simply: "Great tune!"
Sarah is already looking forward to the challenge ahead and will be supported by her family and young daughter Mia.
"My Mom, Nana, family and friends are super excited for me - they're shocked and very proud. I can't wait to teach my biggest fan - my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter Mia - all the lyrics to 22!"
McTernan will compete in the second Eurovision Semi Final in Tel Aviv on Thursday May 16th
