This year Ireland will select its Eurovision hopeful at a special edition of the Late Late Show which is due to take place on February 11th.
Ireland first participated in the Eurovision song contest in 1965. It went on to win a record breaking seven times - more then any other country. It also included an unprecedented three consecutive victories in the 1990's.
Unfortunately the past few years have seen Ireland perform poorly. This has led to RTE changing the Eurosong selection process for 2011.
RTE have chosen five mentors, all of whom are top professionals within the Irish Music Industry. The mentors were entrusted with the job of choosing/mentoring the song and the artists that will go on to fight for the honour of representing the country at this year's Eurovision which will be held in Dusseldorf Germany on May 14th.
One of the five mentors chosen is the multi platinum selling composer/performer Liam Lawton. Liam himself is no stranger to the big stage having performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls including New York's Carnegie Hall, Symphony Centre Chicago, Paul VI Auditorium at the Vatican and many more.
Liam was delighted to take on the challenge and set about writing a song that he would always be proud to stand over, he wanted not just a beautiful composition but also lyrics with a message. With melodies and words in his head Liam sat down with his long time music collaborator and friend Mark Cahill, they both worked many hours on the arrangement and what followed was the sound bed to what was to be become that song. Next he had to find an artist or artists who could in his mind perform and interpret the song with the honesty and beauty it deserved.
Following previous successful collaborations, the Vard Sisters were the obvious choice. Liam and the sisters had been very close to winning the Eurosong in the past, where they were beaten by only 3 points.
The Vard Sisters, who's album 'Heavenly' became of the one of the most successful Irish debut albums ever (Heavenly also included three of Liam's songs.). They continue to be in constant demand throughout Ireland, UK and America, and have performed for many dignitaries including Bill Clinton, and the Ryder Cup team. Cathy, Wendy and Lisa remember growing up - every year the family would gather to watch the Eurovision. The young girls dreamed about the day they too would represent Ireland.
Perhaps 2011 is the year their dream will come true and it will be a case of second time lucky for Liam and the Vard Sisters.
For further information contact - Mary Clare O'Siochru 086 6035082
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