Marty Whelan is bursting with excitement to head to Eurovision –saying he is confident Ireland’s entry Brooke Scullion has got what it takes.
The legendary commentator, who is gearing up to make the trip to Italy to cover RTE coverage of the competition next weekend, feels the Derry native is “different” and will stand out amongst the crowd.
The Dubliner, 65, told the Irish Daily Mirror: “I leave next weekend. But they went on Monday, they are going early, and I am so excited for them.
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“I think she is very good. And I tell you something as well, she is so different, and she is full of beans, which I love. She’s full of stuff.
“But that makes it more interesting.”
Before any chances of bringing home a victory, 23-year-old Brooke will have to perform her song That’s Rich on the world stage in Turin, Italy, on May 12 during the second semi-final of the song contest.
After landing in the country earlier this week to set up, the singer revealed her staging to the press.
She hopes to wow audiences with an impressive fireworks display, surrounded by dancers, Sophie Kavanagh, Amy Ford, Amy Whearity and Lizzy Benham.Having witnessed at first hand for decades the ups and downs of the contest, Marty said he is hopeful there will be celebrations this time around.
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He added: “Again, we have to get out of the semi-final and if we do, happy days. Then we are at the event properly, you know.”
Meanwhile, the popular Lyric FM radio host said he is still holding out hope that he will be back on screens celebrating other wins too – in a possible return of Winning Streak.
The show has been off air since the pandemic hit, and asked when it will be back, Marty, who hosts alongside Sinead Kennedy, said: “I wish I knew.
“I am ready, and I know Ms Kennedy in Cork is ready. We are raring to go. I’d love it. But we don’t know when.
“It’s up to the lottery at this stage I think. So fingers crossed.”
The presenter was speaking as he stepped out for the glamorous Downton Abbey: A New Era movie premiere in the Stella Cinema in Dublin, alongside his wife Maria and his daughter Jessica.
He said: “We are very excited about it. We are all Downton maniacs, we used to all watch it, my mother god bless her loved it so we have been following it for quite a while, so this is a bit of fun and a bit of glam.
“But I can’t breathe out of my suit, I haven’t worn it in years.”
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