By Steven Oldham
Tonight, Ireland will choose their act for Eurovision 2014, with five solo singers vying to be picked to represent their country in Copenhagen.
Whilst Ireland are the most successful country in the Contest's history, they are going through a lean period - they have reached the top ten just twice and failed to qualify on three occasions in the same timeframe.
Following last year's shock last place for Ryan Dolan and his well received song Only Love Survives, there is an added incentive for the Irish performer to improve their country's position.
Here, I rank the runners and riders in the Irish national selection which airs on RTE at 9.35PM GMT or on RTE Player here
5. Eoghan Quigg - The Movie Song
Even the most dedicated Eoghan fan needs to admit it is time the former X Factor contestant gave up. He has a good voice, but nothing special. The Movie Song is poor. Breathless vocals and awkward lyrics including 'I wanna say that it's groovy/Cos no one says that anymore" to the tune of an identikit reality show winner's song, which we all know are mostly rubbish. Europe will be asleep by the time he has finished. Easily the weakest of the bunch.
4. Patricia Roe - Don't Hold On
Patricia's low placing is no slight her - to Ireland's credit, the national selection is mostly strong this year. Don't Hold On is a soaring piano ballad, composed by Roe herself. Her rich vocals compliment the tune well and the song has a simple, memorable chorus. She may get the votes of older Eurovision fans. Having said that, I'm not convinced it will stand out enough for people to pick up their phones and vote.
3. Laura O'Neill - You Don't Remember Me
You Don't Remember Me is a good song. O'Neill clearly has a strong voice. The song is well put together and the Lucie Silvas influence is obvious. Despite the good vocals and being structurally sound, the song lacks an instant chorus - it's taken me a few listens to like it. Laura doesn't have that opportunity with many viewers hearing the entries for the first time tonight. A decent song but I will be surprised if she wins.
2. Andrew Mann - Be Mine
Unfortunately it seems Andrew has little to no chance of being picked if the fansites are to believed. It's a shame because Be Mine is a powerful song, which I'm sure will sound better live than it does on record. I especially like strings being used to great effect on what is predominantly a rock song. I like rock in Eurovision - not so much the screaming type favoured by the likes of Georgia and Macedonia in recent years - but a decent, stirring tune such as this with passionate vocals. Sounds a bit like 'Hero' by Chad Kroeger from the Spiderman movie
1. Can-linn & Kasey Smith - Heartbeat
This already sounds like a potential Eurovision winner for me. Smith's vocals float effortlessly over a pumping backing track which also manages to include traditional Irish instruments without it sounding forced. It has the most memorable chorus of any song I've heard connected to this year's Eurovision. This track has been very well put together and hopefully Kasey can give a live performance that does her and the song justice as it is a clear winner in my eyes.
So, who's your favourite? Are there still Eoghan fans out there? Do you agree that Heartbeat is a potential contest winner? Let me know on here or via Twitter - @spoldham
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