I'm bidding for Eurovision glory - former X Factor star Mary Byrne

Irish X Factor finalist Mary Byrne sings at the Convention Centre during the visit of Queen Elizabeth. Photo: Reuters

Mary Byrne performs 'Never Can Say Goodbye' during Saturday night's
'X Factor'. The singer was voted off the show last night

Mary Byrne

Irish X Factor finalist Mary Byrne sings at the Convention Centre during the visit of Queen Elizabeth. Photo: Reuters

Mary Byrne performs 'Never Can Say Goodbye' during Saturday night's 'X Factor'. The singer was voted off the show last night

Mary Byrne performs behind the judges on Saturday's 'The X Factor' as Cheryl Cole looks on

Mary Byrne

By Elaine McCahill

October 14 2014 08:21 AM

Former X Factor contestant Mary Byrne is looking to represent Ireland at the Eurovision next year.

Karl Broderick is hoping that the tune he will pen, performed by Mary, will be selected.

Mary (54), from Ballyfermot, said that she jumped at the opportunity.

"Eurovision is one of my guilty pleasures," Mary told the Herald. "It's an honour to have been put forward."

RTE have decided to change the format of how Ireland's Eurovision entry is chosen. Previously five experts were allowed to pick an act which were put to a public vote.

Instead the public can submit any entry, all of which will be shortlisted by an initial RTE-picked judging panel. Songwriters have until the end of the month to enter any song.

"It will be transparent and we will enter like everyone else," Karl said.

Could you bring us back to Eurovision glory? RTE invite entries for Eurosong 2015

hnews@herald.ie

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