*Sarah McTernan Photograph: Lili Forberg
Clare singer Sarah McTernan has been announced as this year’s Irish entry for the Eurovision.
She will sing 22 which was penned by Danish songwriters Janieck, Marcia Sondeijker and Roulsen. Last year, Sarah attempted to contest the Eurovision for San Marino but failed to qualify. This year over 430 songs were submitted to RTÉ for consideration in light of Ryan O’Shaughnessy’s performance in Lisbon in 2018 according to Irish Head of Delegation, Michael Kealy.
Sarah finished third in The Voice of Ireland in 2015 when Rachel Stevens was her mentor. Since appearing on the RTÉ show she has worked as a make-up artist in Limerick and given birth to a daughter, Mia, two and a half years ago.
“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,” she told RTÉ.
On hearing the song for the first time, Sarah said, “When I heard it at first, I just thought it was so catchy. It’s a proper earworm. I thought it was really poppy and really current. It’s a really strong song for Eurovision.”
Kealy is confident Sarah will be adored by Eurovision fans. “Sarah has an amazing voice which stood out the minute I heard it and she fits perfectly with our chosen song ’22′. I think the Eurovision audience will love her”.
McTernan will perform 22 for the first time on Dancing with the Stars this Sunday as part of a special Eurovision Song Contest-themed programme, which will also feature a performance from two time Eurovision winner Johnny Logan. She will compete in the second Eurovision Semi Final in Tel Aviv on Thursday May 16.
So here we go ?I’m delighted to announce that I will be representing Ireland in The @eurovision this year, You can catch the song ‘22’ on its first airplay on Ryan Tubridy’s radio show at 9am, I will be interviewed by the lovely Jenny Greene on 2FM at 12:30pm and Ray Darcy at 3 pic.twitter.com/uLty2KNCqc
— Sarah McTernan (@Sarah_McTernan) March 8, 2019
Scarriff girl Sarah McTernan is representing Ireland this year at the Eurovision, and her song “22” is on @RTERadio1 now.
Now that is a brilliant start to #InternationalWomenDay ??
— Lauren Guilfoyle (@LaurenGuilfoyle) March 8, 2019
FINALLY. A proper pop song for Ireland’s Eurovision. Well done Sarah McTernan, Clare mum who will kick ass in Israel this summer!https://t.co/A1PTJlyddk
— Fintan Walsh (@FintanYTWalsh) March 8, 2019
Comhgairdeachas Sarah representing Clare & Ireland .Great news on #InternationalWomensDay
— St Tola Goat Cheese (@StTolaCheese) March 8, 2019
The flags are flying at home for Scariff native @Sarah_McTernan as she heads for @Eurovision to sing her heart out for #Ireland #BackingtheBanner #Clare #Eurovision @deric_tv pic.twitter.com/4C8SGthcsV
— Derg Boat Trips (@clarevirtually) March 8, 2019
