WATCH: Former Irish Eurovision winners congratulate Marty Whelan on 25 years of commentary

Some of Ireland's past Eurovision winners and representatives have congratulated Marty Whelan on 25 years of commentary. 

Whelan has been Ireland's Eurovision commentator for a quarter of a century, having hosted the Eurosong in Dublin in 1987 (the year Johnny Logan won the contest with 'Hold Me Now', and since 2000. 

Whelan himself acknowledged the achievement this week (May 6) when he posted a photo on X of himself and former broadcaster, Maxi, at the 1987 Eurosong. 

To mark the occasion, RTÉ has posted a video of former Irish representatives expressing their admiration for the beloved commentator. 

In the video, Ryan O'Shaughnessy - who finished 16th in the 2018 contest with his song 'Together' - said there was "no better man" to be commentating. 

He said, "Twenty five years, how it flies by. There's no better man to be commentating on the Eurovision for Ireland. Fair play to you, you're doing a great job, and you always have done. I'll always remember fondly our time spent in Lisbon, so best of luck this year. And catch you again soon." 

Niamh Kavanagh, who won the 1993 contest with her song 'In Your Eyes', said, "Marty Whelan, a quarter of a century? That can't be right. Were you about two when you started? Love the bones of you." 

Paul Harrington won the contest the following year in 1994 alongside Charlie McGettigan with their song 'Rock n Roll Kids', making it Ireland's 6th win (and third in a row). 

Harrington said, "Marty, have a ball out there one more time. Twenty five years, congratulations, and I can tell you you haven't changed a bit." 

Brooke Scullion, who represented Ireland in 2022 with her song 'That's Rich', said, "Marty Whelan, congratulations. Twenty five years in the commentary of Eurovision. That's a whole lifetime. You're 25, I'm 25, if that's not a sign that we are going to win this year then I have no idea. Congratulations!" 

Watch the full video below:

Marty Whelan, you’re simply the best

To mark 25 years of Marty’s #Eurovision commentary, some of Ireland’s past winners and representatives wanted to congratulate him

Don’t forget that the second #Eurovision2024 semi-final airs tonight at 8pm on @rte2 pic.twitter.com/9hOvocnmhi

— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) May 9, 2024