High hopes in Cork for Bambie Thug’s unique act at Eurovision Song Contest final

EXCITEMENT is mounting in Cork ahead of the Eurovision final this weekend.

Macroom’s Bambie Thug secured a spot in the final with a witchy-infused staging of ‘Doomsday Blue’ at the semi-finals on Tuesday night in Malmö, Sweden.

Following the show at the Malmö Arena, Cork-based couple Darren O’Connell and Julie McDonnell — who have attended previous Eurovision events — gave their reaction on how they felt the night had gone.

“It’s amazing, because the last couple of years everyone was like, ‘you deserved it’ and they’re giving me condolences in the bathroom,” Ms McDonnell said.

“But this year, it was amazing to go into the arena knowing we had a great chance — Bambie Thug was incredible.”

The 29-year-old said that Bambie succeeded as they are “unique and different for Ireland” as an alternative music performer, and that “they performed in such a unique way”.

Mr O’Connell said that the last time Ireland qualified in 2018, with Ryan O’Shaughnessy, he was at the live show.

The 32-year-old attended the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool in 2023, when Sweden’s Loreen succeeded with ‘Tattoo and Turin’, after Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra took home the trophy in 2022.

When asked if Ireland might exceed Sweden’s wins by getting to eight Eurovision trophies on Saturday, Mr O’Connell said: “Hopefully”.

“There’s a lot of competition this year from Croatia, Switzerland, Italy, but it’s their best chance in a long time — so I really do hope so.”

He also said seeing the “king of Eurovision” and Irishman Johnny Logan paying tribute to his fellow double-winner Loreen by singing ‘Euphoria’ was “great”.

Mr O’Connell said that he has tickets to see Bambie Thug in the rehearsals on Friday, and “will pounce” on getting into the final on Saturday if more passes become available.

What the people on the streets of Cork said

The Echo took to the streets of Cork city yesterday to hear the thoughts of those who watched the enchanting performance from the comfort of their homes, with many rooting for a definite win.

Young, old, and everyone in between shared the sentiment that it was great to see Ireland back in the running for a win at the song competition.

While passers-by admitted opting to not watch this year, there were others among the crowd supporting Bambie Thug in their pursuit for the crown.

“It was the first performance in a few years where Ireland was in the running for the win, so it was cool to see that we did really well this year,” University College Cork student Ella Dalton said.

“It was definitely out there, a bit weird, but it was fun to watch and definitely got our name out there.”

“I’d like to say we’ll win, and it would be good for tourism,” Ms Dalton added. “I think they’ll place first.”

Lydia Murphy, from Carrigtwohill, said she believes Ireland will place in the top five. “Our entry is good, it’s catchy, very Eurovision-y. They’ll do well I’d say.”

“It would be great to win, there’d be a great buzz about the place,” she added.

Further in agreement, Ann McGrath, from Dungarvan, said: “I don’t know much about them [Bambie Thug], but I think it’s fantastic they have made it through.

“Their act is a little bit scary, but it makes it more interesting.”

“I’d love a win, and fair play to them for getting through, because it’s been so long since we’ve had an entry in the final,” she added. “Go for it Bambie!”

Vox-pops 

Cian Warrington, Gurranabraher: “To be honest, it’s up for speculation.

“A lot of people thought it was a good performance, but a lot of people thought it was a bad one too.

“I feel proud as a Cork man, but we definitely won’t win this year.

“I do think we’ll come up far, probably be in the top 10.

“I’d like if it was done in a different way, because it was definitely a controversial act.”

Eileen Madden, Crosshaven: “I’m very interested in music, and from the get-go I thought it was a spectacular show.

“For the first time in years the standard of performance and song has gone up.

“It was a really good show from start to finish and I’d say they’ll place high, maybe third or fourth.

“I don’t know if I’m rooting for a win, because I’m not sure if the country can afford it.”

Jacinta Bracken, Douglas: “When Bambie Thug first emerged I thought, wow.

“There’s no doubting they’re very professional, it was a great performance.

“It’s the first time in many years that Ireland has had something that really stands out and is of a high standard. It’s a bonus too that Bambie is from Cork, the Rebel County is a go! I’m wishing Bambie the best of luck, and I’m hopeful for a high placing.”

Mary-Pat Barrett, Glanmire: “I thought it was quite good, and I’m delighted Ireland has been put through.

“It’s been a long time since Ireland was represented in the Eurovision, and our song — it’s with the times.

“I thought it was great.

“Hopefully now they’ll go ahead and win it but if not, maybe we’ll place eighth or ninth. They were my favourite entry, and I’m delighted Cork got a foot in.”

Ellen Kelleher, Dublin Hill: “It was a very good semi-final show, and it’s brilliant that Bambi Thug got through to the final.

“I think that they have a great chance at winning it, anything for Cork is better than nothing.

“The performance they gave was amazing, and the atmosphere over there looked fantastic.

“It would be great now for us to get a place in the top 10.”

Fionnuala Roche, Ballyvolane: “I’ve seen snippets of Bambie Thug, and I’m all about doing your own thing.

“You’ll always back your own no matter what, even though I don’t like the song.

“I haven’t watched the full lot, being honest, I flicked it over.

“It’s not like it was years ago, everyone would be watching, the streets were emptied, but now half of people don’t even know it’s on.”