IRELAND'S entry Can-Linn featuring Kasey Smith has failed to qualify for the Eurovison Song Contest final, which will take place in Copenhagen on Saturday.
Smith and the Irish traditional group were one of 15 countries to compete in last night's second semi-final with the top ten entries going on to this weekend's grand finale.
However they failed to impress European voters with their performance of Heartbeat, and were not chosen to progress through to the competition’s climax this weekend.
“We were delighted we got to represent our country on a world stage,” Smith said after the results were announced.
“Being in the final would have been a bonus but you can just never predict how these things are going to go. We put our heart and soul into it and gave it our all.
“It’s given me a real taste for being on the stage and as far as I’m concerned, this is only the beginning for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.”
Ireland's act was a contemporary pop number featuring a fiddle and bodhrán playing and Irish dancing.
This is the first time since 2009 that Ireland have failed to qualify for the Eurovision Song Contest.
Michael Kealy, head of RTÉ’s Eurovision delegation, praised Ireland’s performance on Thursday night and added that the result showcased the unpredictability of the Eurovision.
“Kasey is a real up and coming talent, as are the rest of the group, and I have no doubt they’ll do well. I’m so proud of them all. They couldn’t have given any more,” he said.
Countries that qualified from the second semi-final for the finale include: Austria, Poland, Greece, Norway, Switzerland, Slovenia,Romania, Malta, Belarus, and Finland.
25 finalists will compete in Saturday night’s final.
