Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh has said she respects RTÉ’s decision not to take part in, or broadcast, the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 after Israel’s participation was confirmed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
“I respect RTÉ for making the decision to pull out before an artist is involved,” she told RTÉ Entertainment, noting that recent years have been particularly difficult for performers who travel with a delegation and can find themselves expected to answer for issues far beyond their music.
“When you go over there, you are technically representing you and RTÉ and the delegation… and the country,” she said.
“And the reality is you are…