Disappointment for Ireland as Brooke Scullion misses out on Eurovision grand final

DISAPPOINTMENT struck for Ireland tonight as Brooke Scullion missed out on a spot in the Eurovision grand final.

The Derry singer delivered a knockout performance of her song ‘That’s Rich’ but sadly it wasn’t enough.

The 23-year-old was widely expected to make it to the big night but she wasn’t one of the 10 acts to make it out of tonight’s semi-final.

The 10 countries to qualify were Belgium, Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Australia, Sweden, Romania and Serbia.

Brooke and the viewers at home waited with bated breath as each country was called out but the name ‘Ireland’ never heard.

The singer shed no tears after her Eurovision heartache, defiantly saying her best tunes were out in two weeks.

It means Ireland, who have won the competition more times than anyone else but haven’t won it since Eimear Quinn lifted the crown with her song the Voice in 1996, were left disappointed again.

Spectacular pyrotechnics fireworks then set the stage ablaze as Brooke – dressed in electric blue ensemble- delivered a dazzling routine backed by dancers Amy Whearity, Amy Ford, Lizzy Benham and Sophie Kavanagh.

RTE presenter Marty Whelan said: “So disappointed for Brooke Scullion and all the team.

“Very disappointed yet again that this is our situation.

“Very sad to see we didn’t make it through because we really thought we would this year.”

Viewers at home were blown away by Brooke’s incredible performance on the Eurovision stage tonight.

Keith Mills, of Irish Eurovision Facebook group All Kinds Of Everything told the Irish Sun: “From the intro, it was highly engaging.

“A lively pop track in a semi-final with lots of downbeat songs and oddball entries.”

UPHILL STRUGGLE

Fans and competition critics branded it the best presentation of a song that Ireland has sent to Eurovision since Jedward’s “Lipstick” in 2011.”

Irish Eurovision hopes were given a boost when That’s Rich was included in the international press Top 10 predictions to qualify, based on the performance on Wednesday night’s Jury final.

She faced an uphill struggle with bookies dubbing her a long shot.

Prior to her performance tonight, Paddy Power were giving Brooke odds of 250/1 to win the Grand Final this Saturday.

The bookmaker said this was the longest odds ever recorded for an Irish entry and longer than even Jedward, 14/1 in 2011, or Dustin the Turkey who was 16/1 in 2008.

Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra remain the favourite to win this Saturday night.

Support for the folk-rap band has swelled since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and their strong performance in the first semi-final has further cemented their position.