Mary makes a Point about nerves in 1995
MARY Kennedy has recalled the thrilling moment she walked down to greet 200 million viewers as she hosted the Eurovision Song Contest live from The Point in 1995.
The TV star presenter had no issue speaking in three languages and loved fronting the show alone but had to overcome “horrendous nerves” the night before.
Wednesday, May 13 will mark 25 years since the iconic show took place in Dublin, rounding off a three wins in a row for Ireland.
Mary told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “My nerves on May, 13 were fine but they were pretty horrendous the night before.
“I went to sleep easily but I woke up at 2am with butterflies in my stomach. They seemed to kick in while I was asleep, it was extraordinary.
“I had hypertension and almost nausea. I am quite good at compartmentalising and the show was so well rehearsed, we were in The Point all week.
“You are part of a team and everyone was so careful. At the end of the day, you have a job to do and you just do it.”
Mary was thrilled to land the role after being an understudy to Doireann Ni Bhriain in 1981 and auditioning again in 1993 and 1994.
Mary explained: “When the three in a row began after Linda Martin won in Malmo they invited people to audition.
“I wasn’t successful in 1993 or 1994 but I was in 1995 and it was an absolute thrill.
“I felt I would do a good job because I had done two auditions previously and I also lived in France so the French and Irish were no problem to me. I actually preferred presenting it on my own rather than having a co-presenter.
“I was responsible for every aspect of the show so there was never a point where I had to think my co-presenter is going to look after that.
“Every time I was on that camera, I was talking, basically.”
Meanwhile, even though Sean O’rourke hung up his microphone on Friday, Mary wasn’t surprised by his retirement.
She said: “I loved his programme and I loved the mix of content; he could fillet somebody and then do a really nice, funny interview.
“Just like myself, I think he will continue to do other work for RTE in the future.”