Denmark crowned Eurovision champions

Ireland’s Ryan Dolan says contest was ‘life-changing experience’ despite disappointment

Emmelie de Forest of Denmark celebrates holding her trophy after winning  the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest with her song Only Teardrops. PhotographL Jessica Gow/Scanpix Sweden
Emmelie de Forest of Denmark celebrates holding her trophy after winning the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest with her song Only Teardrops. PhotographL Jessica Gow/Scanpix Sweden

Denmark has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the third time, with the Celtic-tinged anthem Only Teardrops.

In a shock result, Ireland finished last with only five points.

Emmelie de Forest topped the votes with 281 points, followed by Azerbaijan with 234 points. Ukraine, Norway and Russia made up the top five.

Irish entrant Ryan Dolan performs during a dress rehearsal ahead of the finals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. Photograph:  Ragnar Singsaas/Getty Images
Irish entrant Ryan Dolan performs during a dress rehearsal ahead of the finals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. Photograph: Ragnar Singsaas/Getty Images

Denmark last won the song contest in 2000 with the Olsen Brothers’ Fly on the Wings of Love.

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Despite the disappointment, Ireland's Ryan Dolan said it had been a life-changing experience.

“Unfortunately luck just wasn’t on our side tonight,” he said after the results were announced. “Obviously, it’s really disappointing, but I feel I gave it my best shot and I had an amazing team behind me every step of the way.”

The last time Ireland fell to the bottom of the Eurovision scoreboard was in 2007 with Dervish’s song They Can’t Stop the Spring. As Dolan and his backup group gave a strong performances of Only Love Survives in the grand final, and the song rated amongst the top 12 songs with both bookmakers and fans, it will take some reflection and analysis to understand what led to this disappointing result.