RTÉ will broadcast a classic episode of Father Ted instead of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest 2026 grand final after Ireland officially boycotted the competition over Israel’s participation.
The Irish broadcaster confirmed it will air the much-loved 1996 episode A Song For Europe on Saturday night in place of Eurovision coverage, bringing one of Irish television’s most iconic comedy moments back to screens.
The episode sees priests Ted Crilly and Dougal McGuire reluctantly enter the fictional “Eurosong” competition to represent Ireland with the now legendary novelty track My Lovely Horse.
In one of the sitcom’s most memorable storylines, the pair desperately try to stop themselves from winning the contest in order to spare Ireland the cost and chaos of hosting Eurovision the following year. Despite their efforts, the song becomes a huge success before ultimately ending in disaster with the duo receiving the dreaded “nul points.”
The episode has remained one of the most celebrated instalments of the sitcom since it first aired nearly 30 years ago and is widely regarded as one of the defining moments in Irish comedy television.
RTÉ’s decision comes after the broadcaster withdrew from Eurovision for the first time in 61 years, citing the “appalling loss of lives in Gaza” and concerns surrounding Israel’s continued participation in the contest.
While Ireland will not take part this year, Eurovision itself has continued in Vienna, where the competition’s first semi-final took place on Tuesday night amid protests and heightened security.
Israeli singer Noam Bettan successfully qualified for Saturday’s grand final with his song Michelle, despite a mixed reaction inside the arena. Some audience members booed and shouted anti-Israel slogans during the performance, while others loudly chanted Noam’s name in support. Despite the heightened security, a few Palestinan flags were spotted in the crowd during Noam Bettan's performance.
Austrian broadcaster ORF had already confirmed it would not censor protests or negative crowd reactions during the live broadcast.
The atmosphere surrounding Eurovision’s 70th anniversary has been overshadowed by controversy in recent months, with Ireland, Spain, Iceland, Slovenia and the Netherlands all boycotting this year’s contest.
Meanwhile, there was disappointment for Boy George after the Culture Club star failed to qualify while appearing as a guest performer on San Marino’s entry.
Austria is hosting this year’s contest after Austrian singer JJ won Eurovision 2025 with Wasted Love.
For many Irish viewers however, Saturday night may now belong not to Eurovision, but to My Lovely Horse once again.
