Brendan performs for jury vote

GOOD luck messages are coming from all over the world to Tuam's Brendan Murray who is counting down the hours until he sings for Ireland at the second Eurovision 2017 semi final in Kyiv.

Brendan has spent an exhausting day in rehearsals and performing for for the jury panel ahead of Thursday's big performance. However, he was given a lift by the arrival of his brother Barry, sister Sinead and uncle Brendan from Tuam this afternoon.

Louis Walsh, who chose Brendan to represent Ireland this year, is flying to Kyiv to watch the semi-final.

'I'm really looking forward to seeing Brendan and all of the Irish delegation,' remarked Louis before boarding the plane.

He is a huge fan of the Tuam 20-year-old and first came across his talent when he was searching for members for the former boyband Hometown.

'Brendan's got an amazing voice and a positive attitude and I know he's going to give it his best shot tomorrow night.

'He's like a young Johnny Logan and I think the audience will love him. It's three years since Ireland qualified for the final and I think Brendan's got what it takes,' added the X-Factor judge.

There's no chance of Brendan being homesick as he's hosted a sing-song in an Irish pub and got his busy off to a good start with a big Irish breakfast. Getting a quick catch up with his family over lunch has also given him a fresh boost ahead of the jury vote.

People, clubs and businesses throughout Tuam have been sending Brendan their good luck wishes as has last year's Irish entry Nicky Byrne. Former Westlife member Shane Filan also rang Brendan to wish him well.

Tonight Brendan had to perform for the jury vote which counts as 50% of tomorrow's voting. Here's hoping he and his team get plenty of support from viewers tomorrow night and he gets to perform to an audience of some 200 million on Saturday night.