Dunmore’s hope to win the Euro!
By Patrick Flaherty
Dunmore singer Caoimhe Glynn is set to battle it out with five other acts on Friday night for the chance to represent Ireland at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest.
Glynn, who has been performing under the name of Reylta since 2018, is a folk musician who loves to write big songs which utilise plenty of storytelling, poetry and harmonies.
Her latest creation is titled Fire, a song which she will perform the Late Late Show. Reylta told The Tuam Herald the decision to enter the competition was a last-minute call, only adding to her excitement to make the final six.
“The window to enter opened earlier in the year, but we didn’t enter our song until very late, pretty much the last minute which was the start of November,” she recalled.
“I got the call to say I made the cut just before Christmas, which felt amazing as I believe they had over 200 songs in the running. Who knows how long it would’ve taken to get onto the Late Late Show without this chance. Now I’ve got to make it count.”
Reylta describes Fire as a love song, which tells the story of the moment you meet somebody for the first time and there is just instant chemistry.
By the time the song reaches the chorus and introduces fire, Reylta is speaking of the passion people feel when releasing and developing their emotions.
While the music and vocal performance are key to any music being a hit, the 25-year-old is under no illusions that it takes more than a good song to be successful in the Eurovision. The staging of the song can often be what drives a winning entry.
“Theatrics would be the right word to describe what happens during most of my performance anyways, so I’m treating Friday almost like a three-minute mini-musical,” she explained.
“I’m sorting out unique staging, costuming and props to add to Friday’s performance, as these elements are so important to doing well. Listen to any Eurovision podcasts and that is something which always gets brought up.
“We always do set dressing, completely transforming the stage whenever we perform live as I love my stage to be as beautiful as possible. So, I’ve experience in that sense. Doing this on such a big stage is me living out my musical dreams.”
She will be taking on five other acts on Friday, with the winner decided by a mix of an international jury, a national jury and a public vote.
The most well-known entrant will be the early 2000's music star Samantha Mumba. Regardless of the result Reylta is looking forward to the performance.
“Getting all of Samatha’s fans looking at my music is massive, that is a win in itself,” added the Ballinlass woman, who now lives in Dublin.
“There are so many positives from competing, no matter the final result. Eurovision fans from across the world will be watching us. It is crazy how many people watch Eurosong Ireland as it is seen as one of the best selection processes of any nation.”
Reylta is confident she can give a performance worthy of representing Ireland.
“Representing Ireland would mean everything to me, as I’ve always loved Eurovision. Before Christmas I didn’t even expect to get this far, so winning on Friday would be incredible.
“I will be so grateful to everyone in Galway that votes me. The competition is going to be so stiff that every single vote could count. I don’t think I could put on a better show than the one I’ve planned. Hopefully it is enough to win,” she concluded.
Eurosong Ireland takes place on Friday on RTÉ’s Late Late Show, with the winner going on the represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in May, which this year is being held in Basel, Switzerland.