BBC sez “IIreland has won Eurovision seven times, more than any other country, but it has failed to qualify for the grand final since 2018.”
I think it’s the opposite. A desperate attempt to get back.
World has changed, not enough numbers in the diaspora to fill the phone lines. Not having invaded in the 20th century isn’t enough any more!
The Father Ted episode reflected a widely held belief here at the time. I don’t think that related to Dustin though, he, like Jedward is just popular here is all. He’s for kids though he would ask rude questions of celebs.
Clearly Ireland just needs the next Michael Flatley /s
Also, there was a big push in some parts for the Australian entry one year to be TISM. Very much something popular here which I don’t know if anyone outside Australia would know about, much less get.