Irish Eurovision stars spark online fury after 'disrespectful' gig at family event

Irish Eurovision stars have sparked online fury due to what has been described as "disrespectful" conduct during a gig at a popular family event. 

Wild Youth, who failed to qualify for the Eurovision Grand Final, were slammed following their set at Ballygar Carnival in Galway on Sunday August 6. 

According to attendees who spoke to Galway Beo, the band arrived late and played poorly for less than 60 minutes before being booed off stage. 

They reportedly played a gig at Cork Pride earlier in the day. 

An attendee tweeted about the experience, stating, "Shocking attitude from Wild Youth who booked to perform at the Ballygar Carnival this weekend. Arrived over an hour late, so drunk the lead singer could barely perform the songs and didn’t they even play for an hour! Serious disrespect to all those who attended. 

"Between the lack of professionalism, the shockingly aggressive behavior on stage and disregard for their fans, no one should be booking this band as they can’t fulfil what they are paid to do! 

Shocking attitude from @bandwildyouth who who booked to perform at the Ballygar Carnival this weekend. Arrived over an hour late, so drunk the lead singer could barely perform the songs and didn’t they even play for an hour! Serious disrespect to all those who attended

— Mayv (@Happygilmore223) August 8, 2023

"A kick in the teeth for the dedicated committee who put together a great week of entertainment. The Ballygar Carnival is running nearly 80 years and Wild Youth conduct was nothing short of disgraceful and disappointing." 

Roscommon councillor Emer Kelly also tweeted about the gig. 

She stated: "Very disappointing to see the disrespectful behaviour shown towards Ballygar Carnival Committee and event attendees by Wild Youth. After an otherwise brilliant weekend, the drunken and unprofessional behaviour of the band was unacceptable. 

"Very disheartening for the volunteers who give up their time to organise the events and for the locals who support it." 

Other locals commented on a Ballygar community Facebook page, with one person stating, "Shame on Wild Youth" and another stating, "Very disappointing for a committee who did so much work to put on an excellent carnival to be let down like this. And of course the public who paid well to get in." 

Ballygar Carnival - widely known as Ireland's longest running family carnival - is in its 79th year and took place between August 3 and August 8 this year. 

Wild Youth has been contacted for comment.