Cork podcast host says majority of Irish fans back RTÉ Eurovision boycott

The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest has been place in Austrian capital Vienna this week under a significant cloud of controversy.

Ireland, along with the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and Iceland, are boycotting Eurovision this year in protest over Israel’s wars in Gaza and the Lebanon, and the country's participation in the competition. 

For Ireland, a country that has won the Eurovision on seven occasions, this marks is a significant chapter in its relationship with the song contest.

Among the Irish in Vienna for Eurovision 2026 is Seamus O’Neill, a native of Union Hall in West Cork and co-host of the I’m Sorry Zero Points Eurovision podcast.

“It is sad from a fan of Eurovision. But equally I think the majority of Irish Eurovision fans stand behind RTÉ’s decision to boycott,” he told The Echo from Vienna.

“Generally, the consensus amongst the Irish Eurovision fans and the Irish Eurovision fan club, they do agree with Ireland boycotting and they think it is the right thing to do.

“Even though everyone is sad about that because the Eurovision is supposed to be a happy and positive space, where it is all about the music."

More about the politics

“Over the last few years, it has become less about the music and more about the politics.” 

As a fan of Eurovision for over 35 years, he said there is a strange mood in Vienna.

“It is a tense atmosphere certainly. You probably would have seen that on Tuesday night during the semi final one when the Israeli artist came out and performed. There was lots of booing and cheering.

“We don’t know what the future holds. It will be interesting to see what happens at the grand final.”

Mr O’Neill was in the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna for the rehearsal show for semi final two on Wednesday night.

“There was a good atmosphere. But there was a heavy security presence I would say at the arena as well.

“When you went in your ticket was scanned, you have to show your ID along with your ticket.

“Then you went through a security check, very similar to an airport security check where you had to take everything out of your pockets. So there is heavy security and there is visibly a police presence around the arena. I still think everyone is trying to enjoy the music and the atmosphere."

Atmosphere has changed

“Over the last three years the atmosphere and the mood at Eurovision has certainly changed, obviously with Israel being in the competition and the political situation in Israel and Palestine at the moment.

“When I was in Malmö in Sweden in 2024 and in Basel in Switzerland in 2025, the mood was certainly different.

“Especially back in Malmö, when Bambi Thug was representing Ireland. That was the strangest feeling ever, when I was in the arena and the Israeli singer came out. The mix of boos and cheers was a really strange experience and something I have never encountered before at Eurovision.” 

Mr O’Neill made his prediction about who will win Eurovision 2026.

“It is open this year. The favorites seem to be Finland for the win, followed by France and Denmark. I would agree with that, Finland is my personal favourite song.”