The event formerly known as Hard Working Class Heroes is a showcase for Irish music talent

The Waterboys hit Derry’s Millennium Theatre while Westlife are at Belfast’s SSE Arena

Singer was initially sceptical about contest but has been ‘overwhelmed’ by experience

Hamlet Sweeney of Dublin songwriting factory The Nucleus is hoping to lift Ireland’s Eurovision curse with a ‘dinger of a pop ballad’

Video

Elated singer says he is ‘really proud’ of Irish team that put ‘heart and soul’ into project

Ryan O’Shaughnessy’s song ‘Together’ will hope to break an abysmal run in the competition

The founders of an arts festival believe such events have the capacity to change people’s attitudes towards mental health problems