'Réalta' was a radio song contest started in 1995 by RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltacht exclusively for Irish songs.[1] The first edition of the contest was not related to Eurosong, but from 1996 until 1999, the recent winner of Réalta would qualify to Eurosong. The 5th edition of Réalta took place on 24 December 1998.[2] The running order and results of Réalta '99 are unknown.[3]
Artist
Song
Place
Brendan Devereaux
"An tíogar ceilteach"
-
Brighdin Carr & Tina McDaid
"Saor"
-
Cathal Ó Catháin
"Is fiú is féidir"
-
Colm Mac Séalaigh
"Eileanóir"
-
Damien Mac Gabhann
"Is féidir linn"
-
Helen Uí Dhunáird
"Oileán intinne"
-
Mairé Ní Mhaoilbhin
"Glór na dtonn"
-
Maria Ni Chumhall
"Tamall dom"
-
Pól Ó Colmáin
"Siúil amach an doras"
-
Proinsias Mac An Tuile
"An bon bon carr"
1
Eurosong 1999
Eurosong 1999 was held at the RTÉ Television Centre in Dublin on 7 March 1999 and hosted by Pat Kenny. Eight artists and songs were selected to compete which were presented on 9 January 1999 on the RTÉ programme Kenny Live.[4] Regional televoting determined the winner and after the combination of votes, "When You Need Me" performed by the Mullans was selected as the winner.
The Mullans performed 17th in the running order on the night of the contest, a draw on which three previous Irish entries had won ("What's Another Year?" in 1980, "Why Me?" in 1992 and "The Voice" in 1996). Despite taking an early lead with twelve points from the first voting country Lithuania, "When You Need Me" picked up only six additional points, finishing in 17th place.[7]
Ireland
Slovenia
Belgium
Estonia
Denmark
Croatia
Sweden
Iceland
Norway
France
Netherlands