Will it be ‘douze points’ all round this year as Ryan Dolan flies the flag for Ireland

Ryan Dolan (Credit:ryandolanofficial.com)

Singer songwriter Ryan Dolan has been announced as the act who will represent Ireland in the 2013 International Eurovision Song Contest.

The Tyrone native will perform his hit single  ‘Only Love Survives’ at the contest in Malmo, Sweden, where he hopes to capture the hearts of nations, in order to receive those all important votes.

The 58th annual contest will hit our screens on Saturday 18 May from 8p.m, with RTÉ One covering the event.

Similar to previous years, award winning radio and television personality Marty Whelan will provide commentary on the night for Irish viewers.

The contest will feature song and dance from 39 participating countries, with each act battling it out to be crowned winner.

Ryan co-wrote his hit song with producer Wez Devine and remained under the watchful eye of mentor Stuart O’Connor since winning the Eurosong in February on RTÉ One’s The Late Late Show.

‘Only Love Survives’ has received over three hundred thousand views on YouTube and has gained the welcome support of fans worldwide.

Ryan will compete against the likes of German pop act  Cascada, who stormed the charts in previous years with her hit singles ‘Everytime We Touch’ and ‘What Hurts The Most’.

Cascada has sold over five million albums worldwide and will represent Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest. When asked about the support he has received Ryan commented, “It has been amazing! Everyone has got behind me.” Ryan has been a fan of the Eurovision Song Contest from an early age, but has never once dreamt of the opportunity to also grace the stage. “My family always watched the Eurovision. It’s sort of like a family ritual every year that it is on. I never thought I would be on it though.”

Last year the Irish representative, Jedward, finished in 19th place in the Eurovision Song Contest.