Dervish, a six-piece traditional Irish band based in Sligo, has been chosen by RTÉ to perform Ireland's entry for the 52nd Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki in May 2007, writes Fiona Gartland.
The band will first perform four songs - shortlisted by judges from entries to a national song contest - on the Late Late Show in February. The most popular song, voted for by viewers, will then go forward to the European competition.
Shane Mitchell, Dervish's accordion player, said the band was honoured to accept RTÉ's invitation and looked forward to "raising the roof of the 'Areena' in Helsinki".
Songwriters can submit original compositions up to three minutes long for the competition until January 8th, 2007.
