Eamonn Toal

Eamonn Toal is an Irish singer best known for representing Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2000 with his song “Millennium of Love.” Born in 1968 in Castleblayney, County Monaghan, Toal’s music career spans from the early 1990s to the present day. Over the years, he honed his craft through formal vocal training and live performances. He gained national recognition in Ireland’s Eurovision circles and continues to entertain audiences across the country today.

Early Life and Musical Education

Eamonn Toal grew up in Castleblayney in County Monaghan, Ireland. In pursuit of his passion for music, he undertook formal training in singing. He studied at the Bel Canto School of Music in Dublin, a training that helped develop his strong vocal abilities. This foundation in classical vocal technique would later support his performance career. 

Early Career and Collaborations

In 1990, Toal moved to London to kick-start his music career. He spent a few years in the UK music scene, performing and gaining experience. However, by 1995 he had returned to Ireland and settled in County Meath. He was ready to make his mark back home. During the 1990s, he collaborated with well-known Irish music figures such as composer Frank McNamara and Eurovision-winning songwriter Shay Healy. These collaborations gave him valuable exposure in the Irish music industry. In 1995, Eamonn Toal made his first appearance on the Eurovision stage in a supporting role. He provided backing vocals for Ireland’s entry “Dreamin’,” performed by singer Eddie Friel, at the Eurovision Song Contest 1995. This experience introduced him to the Eurovision world and built his confidence for larger performances.

Eurovision 2000: Representing Ireland with “Millennium of Love”

After years of honing his talent, Toal achieved his big break in 2000. He entered Eurosong 2000, Ireland’s national selection for Eurovision. Toal won the competition among eight finalists through a public televote. This victory earned him the honor of representing Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2000 in Stockholm. For the contest, Toal performed the powerful ballad “Millennium of Love.” This song was written to celebrate the new millennium. In the Eurovision final, Eamonn Toal finished in 6th place out of 24 countries, earning 92 points for Ireland. “Millennium of Love” became closely associated with Toal’s identity as an artist and is fondly remembered by Irish Eurovision fans. Despite not taking the winner’s trophy, his respectable Eurovision performance boosted his profile significantly at home.

Later Career and Ongoing Work

Following his Eurovision appearance, Eamonn Toal continued to build his musical career. In 2000, he released an album titled Aria Celtica, which showcased his vocal range and love for Irish and pop music. In the years after Eurovision, Toal remained a consistent live performer. He formed The Eamonn Toal Band and began performing regularly at weddings, corporate dinners, festivals, and gala events around Ireland. Additionally, he often appears as a solo singer at shows and charity events.

Toal has also stayed connected to the Eurovision community. In 2020, for example, he served as a juror on a special fan-based Eurovision event. Decades after his Eurovision success, Eamonn Toal remains a familiar name in the Irish music scene. He continues to perform and share his music, demonstrating longevity and passion in his career. Fans of Ireland’s Eurovision history remember him not only for “Millennium of Love” but also for his contributions to Irish music before and after that 2000 milestone.