Worried that there's no one to get behind in tomorrow's first Eurovision Semi-Final? Then think again. One of the countries hoping to book a place in the final is the Czech Republic and it's song has been co-written by Limerick man, Aidan O'Connor.
O'Connor has written a number of songs for different countries that narrowly missed out on being selected for the Eurovision, but this year with the Czech Republic, he is being given his first chance at going for the title.
Aidan says he's delighted to have made it this far.
"[It's] amazing, really, really exciting. I'm nervous but really happy that we've made it this far," he told RTÉ TEN. "We've come quite close, as you've said, and it's been a wonderful journey, but to finally make it is a dream come true, it's a wonderful experience."
If the Czech Republic qualify, it will be the countries first time ever taking part in the final since they began competing in the competition. So big pressure for Aidan and singer Gabriela Gunčíková. The good news is that bookies have strongly tipped the haunting ballad, I Stand, to secure a place in Saturday's final.
O'Connor says that there has been a great level of support and excitement from his friends and family, who will travel to Stockholm to cheer him on.
"They were so thrilled, and it's lovely because they've seen me work so hard to get to this point and they know how much I've wanted it. I've given it everything I have and to see their reaction, and they're with me all the way, and to see people in Stockholm; friends and family supporting me, really is part of it because it's such a family event, such a people's event, so to have those you love around you to support you is really heart-warming," he added.
Gabriela will be performing for the Czech Republic on Tuesday
Being in a unique position of hoping his song will do well for the Czech Republic, while at the same time being an Irish Eurovision fan, he revealed that he is behind our Nicky Byrne all the way, and he hopes he can form a link between the two nations.
"I'll be cheering on Nicky 100%, as a fan having visited the contest and being Irish, I'll always be so patriotic and I want Ireland to be there, I want Nicky to do so well, and I think he will," he explained.
"I look forward to meeting Nicky and all of the Irish team and I hope that we can build a link between the Czech Republic and Ireland and I can encourage the Czech's to vote for Ireland and so on."
The first Eurovision Semi-Final is on Tuesday May 10 on RTÉ 2 at 8pm.
