Niamh Kavanagh
About Quick Facts NameNiamh Kavanagh Born13 February 1968 Nationality🇮🇪 Irish National SelectionEurosong 2010The Irish National Song Contest 1993 In Eurovision2010 Oslo1993 Millstreet SongIt’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 Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsLina Eriksson MusicNiall MooneyMårten ErikssonJonas Gladnikoff BackingsNichala KavanaghEdward O’LearyKarl PowerNiamh Kavanagh Results Semi Points: 67Position: 9Running order: 12 Results Finals Points: 25Position: 23Running order: 10 https://youtu.be/6SHg8gS-02Q?si=gftKgNMMLB4YgKso In Your Eyes Country🇮🇪 Ireland Year1993 LanguageEnglish LyricsJimmy Walsh MusicJimmy Walsh BackingsPatricia O’NeillGarrett WallMartina Tobin Results Points: 187Position: 1Running order: 14 https://youtu.be/C-Vamz7UAfQ?si=6YAXBMvQurdQ1oS4
