the contest staged in Dublin, but the Irish entry was played with a backing track with no orchestra). Ronan Keating (who presented the 1997 contest) collaborated on the 2009 entry for Denmark. RTÉ presenter Marty Whelan has been the national commentator since . Records Ireland holds the record for the most victories: seven wins including three consecutive wins. The country has also achieved second place four times and third once. Ireland is one of the few countries to have achieved consecutive wins (along with Spain, Luxembourg and Israel) and the only country to win consecutively three times, and the nation won again in 1996, thereby accumulating four victories in five years. Ireland is the only country to host the contest consecutively and is one of eight countries never to turn down the chance to host the event. Out of 55 appearances and 45 finals, Ireland has reached the top ten 31 times and the top five 18 times. As of 2022, Ireland has not reached the top five since 1997. Ireland holds the record for most points from one country in a year (alongside France) in the 'one point per juror' voting system, achieving nine votes out of a possible ten from Belgium (in ). France had achieved this same feat in . Ireland has an average of 74 points per contest, the highest average, two points above the . During the first semi-final of the 2014 contest, it was revealed that the duo Jedward hold two Eurovision records: the highest hair (18.9 cm) and the biggest shoulder pads. Participation overview Congratulations: 50 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest Ireland was one of two countries to have two entries entered into Congratulations: 50 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest, with the entry "What's Another Year" and the "Hold Me Now". Co-host of the contest Ronan Keating appeared. Johnny Logan performed his single "When a Woman Loved a Man". Irish winners Eimear Quinn, Charlie McGettigan and Linda Martin performed as backing singers to most of the songs with Jakob Sveistrup who represented in 2005. Marty Whelan provided commentary of the contest for Ireland on RTÉ. Hostings Ireland is the only country to have hosted multiple contests in succession; three in a row between 1993 and 1995. Six of the seven contests held in Ireland have been held in Dublin; three at the Point Theatre, two at the RDS Simmonscourt and one