WESTLIFE singer Nicky Byrne is to try and end Ireland's run of bad luck at the Eurovision song contest.
The successful songwriter has been selected to represent Ireland at this year's competition in Sweden.
Ireland has failed to qualify for the Eurovision final for the past two years and came last in 2013.
However, it is hoped Byrne will be able to reverse Ireland's fortunes with his performance of 'Sunlight' - a song he co-wrote with songwriter Wayne Hector and Irish composer Ronan Hardiman.
Mr Hector has worked with One Direction, Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj and Jason Derulo, while Mt Hardiman has written the theme music for RTÉ's 'Six One News' and the score for Michael Flatley's 'Lord of the Dance'.
Byrne, who is now a radio presenter, said he was "honoured" to be chosen to represent Ireland at the contest at the Globe Arena in Stockholm.
"Like many of us, I have grown up watching The Eurovision Song Contest," he said.
"It always brought great excitement to our house down through the years and I was lucky enough to see Ireland win it on many occasions.
"I have a great memory as a nine-year-old, of dancing around our sitting room in a tri-colour sweatshirt when Johnny Logan lifted the trophy in 1987.
"The Eurovision is a TV show and song contest like no other and for the past three years my Eurovision experience has gotten better and my affiliation grown stronger, as I have proudly delivered the Irish votes live from Dublin.
"This year I go one step further, and actually walk on that stage to represent my country, I am honoured RTÉ have chosen me and believe in this song like I do."
John McHugh from RTÉ said: "First and foremost, it's a great song, written by an internationally renowned team and with Nicky’s massive breadth of performance experience, along with his huge fan-base and profile throughout Europe, it’s a really impactful package".
Byrne will perform in the Eurovision semi-final on either May 10 or 12 with hopes he will make the final, which is due to take place on May 14.
