Ireland: Liam Reilly passes away at the age of 65

Ireland: Liam Reilly passes away at the age of 65
Saturday, 02 January 2021

  • Sad news for the world of Eurovision, as the Irish Eurovision 1990 singer and frontman of the rock band Bagatelle, Liam Reilly, has died aged 65.

    The Eurovision family at the dawn of the new year mourns the loss of a former Eurovision participant, as the Irish Eurovision 1990 act, Liam Reilly, passed away ages 65. According to Liam's  family statement Reilly "passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home" on 1 January.  

    Mr Reilly fronted Bagatelle for more than 40 years, and they had success with songs including Summer in Dublin and Second Violin. 

     

    Liam in Eurovision

    In 1990 Liam represented Ireland with his song titled "Somewhere in Europe"  which came 2nd with 132 points, in a tie with the French entry sung by Joëlle Ursull, in the contest in Zagreb. Italy's entrant - Insieme: 1992, sung by Tuto Cutugno - won that edition with 149 points.

    However, Mr Reilly, from Dundalk, County Louth, also composed Ireland's Eurovision entry for the contest in Rome in 1991, when Kim Jackson performed his song "Could It Be That I'm In Love", which was placed 10th.

    The Eurofans radio team expresses its condolences to his family and friends for this painful loss.