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Niamh Kavanagh

About

Quick Facts

Name
Niamh Kavanagh

Born
13 February 1968

Nationality
🇮🇪 Irish

National Selection
Eurosong 2010
The Irish National Song Contest 1993

In Eurovision
2010 Oslo
1993 Millstreet

Song
It’s For You (2010)
In Your Eyes (1993)

Biography

 
Niamh Kavanagh, born on 13 February 1968, is an acclaimed Irish vocalist celebrated for her victory at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993 with her rendition of “In Your Eyes.” This achievement secured Ireland’s consecutive win in the prestigious competition. The event took place in Millstreet, County Cork, within the Republic of Ireland, marking a notable moment in Eurovision history.

Born in Glasnevin, Dublin, to a musically inclined family, Kavanagh was exposed to a diverse range of musical influences from an early age, including Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, and Blood, Sweat and Tears, alongside Bonnie Raitt. Her early life was enriched with music, often performing at family gatherings.

Her career also included notable contributions to the film soundtrack of “The Commitments,” where she lent her voice both as a lead and backing vocalist, featuring in tracks like “Destination Anywhere” and “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man.” Despite this experience, her subsequent Eurovision fame brought an unexpected surge in recognition.

In the Eurovision Song Contest of 1993, a 25-year-old Kavanagh represented Ireland with “In Your Eyes,” securing her place in the competition through a commanding win in the national contest. Her performance in Millstreet was a close battle for points, ultimately winning with a record-breaking score at the time. The song became a significant hit, achieving double-platinum status and earning her widespread recognition, including a successful album recorded in Nashville, Tennessee. Following her musical career, Kavanagh chose to spend more time with her family.

Returning to the Eurovision scene in 2010 for Ireland with “It’s for You,” she performed alongside family members, confirming her participation through a national selection on The Late Late Show. Her journey in the contest was well-supported, making it the first time in four years that Ireland reached the final, where she finished 23rd.

Beyond Eurovision, Kavanagh’s appearances have included performing at notable events and on television shows, serving as the Irish spokesperson at the Eurovision contests in 2008 and 2023, participating as a guest performer in the Romanian National Final for Eurovision 2011, and contributing as a judge and in music videos related to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.

Entries

It’s For You

Country
🇮🇪 Ireland

Year
2010

Language
English

Lyrics
Lina Eriksson

Music
Niall Mooney
MÃ¥rten Eriksson
Jonas Gladnikoff

Backings
Nichala Kavanagh
Edward O’Leary
Karl Power
Niamh Kavanagh

Results Semi

Points: 67
Position: 9
Running order: 12

Results Finals

Points: 25
Position: 23
Running order: 10

In Your Eyes

Country
🇮🇪 Ireland

Year
1993

Language
English

Lyrics
Jimmy Walsh

Music
Jimmy Walsh

Backings
Patricia O’Neill
Garrett Wall
Martina Tobin

Results

Points: 187
Position: 1
Running order: 14