Latest news with #JohnnyLogan
Irish Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dustin the Turkey threatens shock Eurovision comeback after 17 years
Dustin The Turkey has threatened to enter the Eurovision Song Contest again. The fowl talking bird could be set to make a dramatic return to the Eurovision stage next year, 17 years after representing Ireland in Belgrade. In 2008, he sang 'Irlande Douze Points' (sic) in a shopping trolley. He told us: 'Eurovision used to be Terry Wogan., Johnny Logan and Larry Gogan. They're all dead now. It's all moved on now. 'Johnny Logan wanted to bring the orchestra back. Is he joking? I don't think he is. This is a man wearing a leather coat in hot weather last week with a guitar over his shoulder. He doesn't even know how to play the guitar,' he quipped jokingly. And he said RTE needs to stop blaming him for Eurovision failure, saying RTE don't have the money to host the song contest, and he has done the country a favour. Dustin's divisive performance kicked off a long run of Eurovision bad luck for Ireland. We failed to make it to the final in nine of the 15 contests that followed. Earlier this year, Eurovision hopeful Samantha Mumba blamed Dustin for our string of bad luck, saying: 'I think Dustin just put everybody off Ireland for a while.' Pictured at the relaunch of Chadwicks Sallynoggin is local builder and icon Dustin the Turkey. (Image: Conor McCabe Photography) But Dustin hit back, telling us: 'What I'm saying is, I think every time Ireland doesn't qualify for the Eurovision, which is every year, let's be honest, they put people like Johnny Logan on Liveline. 'It's comedy. Who cares if we win Eurovision. RTE don't even have the money to stage it, so technically I'm doing the country a favour. 'I possibly will re-enter again,' he added. Dustin was speaking at Chadwicks newly refurbished Sallynoggin branch where he was joined by Olympic boxer Jack Marley. Chadwicks Sallynoggin now boasts a wide range of specialist centres and showrooms, from smart home technology and sustainable solutions to enhanced trade services and a new coffee and hot food outlet. Dustin and Jack were joined by Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group, and Eric Born, CEO of Grafton Group (Chadwicks' parent company) who was in Dublin for the occasion, to officially open the branch and welcome local customers. Pictured at the relaunch of Chadwicks Sallynoggin are Olympic boxer and brand ambassador Jack Marley; and local builder and icon Dustin the Turkey. (Image: Conor McCabe Photography) The refurbishment is part of Chadwicks' ongoing nationwide rebrand and upgrade programme, which began in 2018 and has seen 33 of its 50 branches renovated to date, to meet the evolving needs of local tradespeople, engineers, self-builders, and DIYers. Speaking about the refurbishment, Patrick Atkinson said: 'I'm delighted to unveil the newly refurbished Chadwicks Sallynoggin. 'This upgrade is about more than just the building; it's about creating a better experience for our customers. 'With more choice, smarter solutions, and a dedicated local team at the heart of it all, the branch is now even better equipped to meet the needs of future customers and continue serving the community for years to come.' Jack Marley said: 'I've grown up around Chadwicks Sallynoggin, it's always been a huge part of the community here. 'It's great to see the investment that's gone into the branch, not just in the building, but in making sure it continues to cater to local people in the trades, along with homeowners who have a flair for DIY.' Dustin the Turkey added: 'You know me, I don't get out of the coop for nothing, but this place is something else. 'Power tools, paint, pastries — what more could you want? As a 'well-feathered' builder myself, I'd be running fowl if I didn't let every other trade and DIY legend in the area know what they're missing.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Independent
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
RTÉ broadcaster Marty Morrissey and Eurovision winner Johnny Logan awarded Honorary Doctorates of Philosophy
Both their degrees were awarded by the Longford International College and formally conferred at the graduation ceremony at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Dublin Airport yesterday, before an audience of graduates, faculty, families, and guests. RTÉ's Gaelic Games correspondent, Marty Morrissey, who is a former schoolteacher and GAA coach in Co Clare, was awarded a doctorate in recognition of his 'exceptional contribution to Irish sport, education, and public life'. There was a standing ovation for Dr Morrissey after his acceptance speech, where he reflected on his journey, the role of sport in Irish identity, and the power of education to unite communities. The college's spokesperson said that what makes the broadcaster's career 'truly remarkable' is his 'lifelong commitment to community development, education, and inclusion'. President of Longford International College, Professor Vincent English, said: "Marty is more than a commentator — he is a cultural ambassador who reflects the heart of Ireland." 'His voice has brought generations together. We are honoured to welcome him to our academic family,' he added. The college also awarded a doctorate to the singer-songwriter Seán Sherrard (71), best known as Johnny Logan, recognising his 'outstanding contribution to music, Irish cultural identity, and international arts'. The musician won the Eurovision Song Contest twice as a performer, with What's Another Year in 1980 and Hold Me Now in 1987, and once as a songwriter with Why Me? performed by Linda Martin in 1992. The college's spokesperson said his work 'left an indelible mark on Ireland's cultural landscape" and that his legacy 'is a reminder that music and the arts are not only entertainment – they are acts of leadership, of storytelling, and of connection'. While accepting the degree, Dr Logan delivered an acceptance speech, where he reflected on the importance of artistic expression and the need to support future generations of musicians and creatives. Presenting the degree to three-time Eurovision winner, Professor Vincent English said: 'Johnny Logan gave Ireland a voice on the world stage — one filled with elegance, honesty, and emotional depth.' "His music not only shaped Eurovision history, but helped define Ireland's cultural confidence in the 20th century,' he added.
Irish Examiner
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Five things to know before the Eurovision 2025 final, including a threat to Ireland's record
Who did we send and is Ireland in the final? Sadly, no. Ireland's entry Emmy performed Laika Party during Thursday night's second semi-final and failed to secure enough votes to progress through the competition to Saturday's grand final. Emmy is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Norway and she was selected to represent Ireland after battling it out on the Late Late Eurosong Special back in February. You may recall one of her rivals in that competition was Samantha Mumba, who later hit out at the judging panel. Emmy is known for singing on TikTok, growing a profile with 1.2 million followers. She teamed up with Irish songwriter Larissa Tormey, whom she met at a songwriting camp in Norway, to create Laika Party — a song based on a Soviet space dog. Laika was a stray dog from the streets of Moscow who was the first living creature launched into orbit in 1957. Sadly, she died from overheating hours into the flight. So we have no Irish hopeful now? PARG from Armenia performs Survivor. Picture: AP Photo/Martin Meissner Not exactly. Armenia's entry Survivor was written by Joshua Curran, whose dad is Irish. Curran spent his summers at his grandmother's home in Tramore, Co Waterford. "I have loads of cousins from Waterford and Dublin, and we holiday together as a family every year. I've always described myself as an Irish-Czech singer-songwriter," he previously told RTÉ, adding: 'you can hear the Irish influences in many of my songs.' He said his dad informed him of Ireland's success in the contest, and of course that Father Ted episode was a key memory for him too. 'He was always telling us about how successful Ireland had been in the competition and how it was ruined by a turkey, which honestly, I still don't understand. Also, the Eurovision episode from Father Ted has always been my favourite.' Speaking of our record...? Johnny Logan performing Hold Me Now on stage during the 32nd Eurovision Song Contest in Brussels in 1987. Ah, the elephant in the room. Two years ago, Sweden matched Ireland's seven-win record when Loreen claimed the 2023 win for the country. As it was her second time to win the contest too, she also matched Johnny Logan's then-unmatched record for one singer winning the contest twice. Technically, Johnny still has one extra win, though – he penned Why Me? for Linda Martin, which won in 1992. However, this year that tie could be broken as Sweden are the favourites to win – meaning they would have an unprecedented eight wins at Eurovision. And with Emmy out of the running, we certainly won't be breaking that record before them this year. This year's act from last year's host country is KAJ, made up of Kevin Holmstrom, Axel Ahman and Jakob Norrgard, with the Swedish song Bara Bada Bastu, about Nordic sauna culture. The group qualified for the last stage of the contest in Basel, Switzerland, in Tuesday's semi-final. Can anyone else swoop in and win instead, please? Among the other favourites are Austrian musician JJ with the song Wasted Love. Austria has won twice at Eurovision, most recently with Conchita Wurst. France, Netherlands, Finland and Israel are also close contenders. Israel is still taking part? Yes. Despite concerns being raised – including by RTÉ - the country is still permitted in the contest despite their ongoing attacks on Gaza. Israeli singer Yuval Raphael's song New Day Will Rise is fourth in Saturday night's line-up. However, the country's presence is not going unprotested. Raphael had her preview show performance interrupted on Thursday night when six people with 'oversized flags and whistles' obstructed it. There have also been pro-Palestinian protests in the Eurovision host city and a demonstration against antisemitism took place on Thursday in the city centre. Israel's government said that Raphael, 24, a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attacks, encountered a 'hostile crowd' during the Sunday opening ceremony and criticised the protests.
RTÉ News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Johnny Logan: 'Never say never' on Eurovision return
Ireland's three-time Eurovision winner Johnny Logan has hinted at a possible return to the contest - but only if the circumstances are right. Speaking on the Nicky Byrne HQ podcast, Logan, the only artist to win Eurovision three times - twice as a performer (What's Another Year in 1980, Hold Me Now in 1987) and once as a songwriter (Why Me? for Linda Martin in 1992) - spoke openly about the idea of returning. "I've thought about it different times," he said. "But I'm 71 now and really happy with the music I'm making. It's not Eurovision or pop-based, more New Orleans swing and rock, with big ballads that have evolved." Logan explained that Eurovision demands total involvement, which can be exhausting. "It takes up so much private time - the production, the presentation. If working with someone else singing, it takes twice as long because you have to guide them. If they won, I'd stay with them to help them through the experience." Despite his reservations, Logan didn't close the door completely. "Never say never. If I had something that really stood out…" Logan left the door open with one condition: "Give me an orchestra and I might think about it."
BreakingNews.ie
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Quiz: How much do you know about Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest?
While Ireland might have a poor record in the Eurovision Song Contest in recent years, back in the 1990s we were dominating the competition with three wins in a row. There have been plenty of ups and downs in Ireland's Eurovision journey, but thankfully the ups have overshadowed the downs (do not mention Dustin the turkey!) Advertisement Think you are an expert in Ireland's Eurovision trivia? Test your knowledge about all things Eurovision (including Johnny Logan) with this quiz.
