Ireland to compete against Russia and Greece in First Semi Final

Ireland has been drawn to take part in the first Semi Final in this years Eurovison Song Contest. This is the first time that the ESC will have two semi-finals due to the volume fo entries. A record 43 countries will be taking part in this years event.

The following countries will be represented in the first Semi-Final, on Tuesday, 20th of May: Montenegro, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Poland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Estonia, the Netherlands, Romania, Moldova, San Marino, Slovenia, Norway, Belgium, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia

The following countries will be represented in the second Semi-Final, on Thursday, 22nd of May: Croatia, Denmark, Bulgaria, Portugal, Ukraine, Switzerland, FYR Macedonia, Iceland, Cyprus, Latvia, Belarus, Hungary, Albania, Sweden, Turkey, Lithuania, Georgia, Czech Republic and Malta.

The draw for the actual running order will take place on the 17th of March, during the annual Heads of Delegation meeting, in Belgrade, Serbia.

It was also determined by draw that Germany and Spain will be obliged to broadcast the first Semi-Final live and to vote. France and the United Kingdom will be broadcasting the second Semi-Final, as well as take part in the voting. Host country Serbia will broadcast both Semi-Finals, and has been drawn to vote in the second Semi-Final.

This year I will actually be able to vote for Ireland (but not Germany!) this will be a strange expeirence! If Dustin is representing Ireland he will have my vote!