'Réalta' was a radio song contest started in 1995 by RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta exclusively for Irish songs.[1] The first edition of the contest was not related to Eurosong, but from 1996 until 1999, the recent winner of Réalta would qualify to Eurosong. Ten songs were chosen to compete in the 5th edition of Réalta and, starting on 2 December 1998, one song was presented each day between 10:30 and 11:00 GMT on the radio show Ar Maidin.[2] The final of Réalta '99 was broadcast at 10:00 GMT on 18 December 1998 and was hosted by Seán Ó hÉanaigh.[3] The results of Réalta '99 were decided by a 3-member jury consisting of Carrie Crowley, Eithne Ní Uallacháin, and Cian Ó Ciobháin.[4] However, the running order and results of Réalta '99 are unknown.
Eurosong 1999 was held at the RTÉ Television Centre in Dublin on 7 March 1999 and hosted by Pat Kenny. Eight artists and songs were selected to compete which were presented on 9 January 1999 on the RTÉ programme Kenny Live.[5] Regional televoting determined the winner and after the combination of votes, "When You Need Me" performed by the Mullans was selected as the winner.
The Mullans performed 17th in the running order on the night of the contest, a draw on which three previous Irish entries had won ("What's Another Year?" in 1980, "Why Me?" in 1992 and "The Voice" in 1996). Despite taking an early lead with twelve points from the first voting country Lithuania, "When You Need Me" picked up only six additional points, finishing in 17th place.[8]
Ireland
