Ryan Dolan picked to represent Ireland in the Eurovision 2013 final

RYAN Dolan was picked on Tuesday night to represent Ireland in the this year’s Eurovision Song Contest final.

The Strabane singer was one of ten singers/groups who went through a semi-final contest which was shown live on  RTE 2.

His song Only Love Survives will now lead the way for Ireland in this year’s Eurovision contest final to be held in Malmo, on Saturday, May 18.

He said afterwards: “I am delighted. I don’t know what else to say.

“I am thrilled to have been chosen to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest. A huge thank you to everyone who voted for the song tonight – I really appreciate it.

“I’d like to thank my family, friends and my mentor Stuart for all their support over the last few months. I can’t wait to perform in Malmo in May.”

Mr Dolan, who was mentored by Stuart O’Connor, will compete against acts like Germany’s dance group Cascada.

Previous entrants from Northern Ireland include musician Brian Kennedy and previous winner Dana.