Ryan brings the country Together
IRELAND’S Eurovision 2018 hopes rested with Ryan O’shaughnessy last night as the singer did the nation proud in our first finals in five years.
The Portuguese capital was gripped with Euro fever as it was the first time the country hosted the singing-extravaganza with thousands of music fans packed into Lisbon’s Altice Arena.
Cyprus act Eleni Foureira was the favourite to win at 5/4, followed by Israel’s Netta at 10/3. Ireland were third favourites with bookies Paddy Power giving the Dubliner odds of 9/1 to become Ireland’s eighth Eurovision winner – a drastic change from the price of 200/1 that was offered before the competition.
Fans rallied behind former Britain’s Got Talent contestant Ryan with his song Together after controversy over Chinese broadcaster Mango TV censoring his semi-final performance because it featured a contemporary dance routine depicting a gay relationship.