In 1987 and 1988 , Whelan co-hosted Eurosong ( Irish heats for the Eurovision Song Contest ) along with Maxi . RTÉ gave the commentator 's job to different presenters between 1988 and 1999 including Mike Murphy , Ronan Collins , Jimmy Greeley and Pat Kenny . In the autumn of 1999 , Pat Kenny decided not to return as Commentator . Reportedly Gerry Ryan ( who had held the contest in 1994 ) was RTÉ 's favorite for the job . However , it was later announced that RTÉ would give the job back to Whelan . Whelan returned to commentate for Ireland at the 2000 Contest , which was held in Sweden and continues to provide commentary for RTÉ since 2000
who had held the contest in 1994
Eurovision Song Contest 1994
Marty Whelan