Ireland's Junior Eurovision stars fly to Malta for final

Two young Irish performers, Naomi Gribben and Caleb Kirwan, have departed from Dublin en route to Malta, where they will compete in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest final scheduled for next Saturday. Representing Ireland, this duo brings a unique presence to the contest as the sole duet among the participants this year.

Caleb Kirwan, aged 14 and hailing from Leopardstown, County Dublin, and 13-year-old Naomi Gribben from Mayobridge, County Down, will present their song "Níos Láidre" (translated as "Stronger") on the stage of Ta' Qali in Attard. Their performance will be the 13th act in the lineup during the live broadcast.

The final event will be aired live on the Irish-language channel TG4 and streamed online via TG4.ie starting at 8 pm Irish time on October 24. In a departure from the senior Eurovision rules, viewers are permitted to vote for their own country, with voting opening late on October 23 and reopening for a brief window following the conclusion of all performances.

Caleb’s artistic journey began early, with training in singing, dancing, and acting from the age of six. His background is rooted in a variety of theatrical roles, including lead characters in productions such as "Beauty and the Beast" and "Mary Poppins." Additionally, he is actively involved in competitive dance, participating in the Elite dance team and achieving notable placements at the Dance World Cup.

Naomi, meanwhile, comes from a musically inclined family, inheriting her vocal talents through familial connections. Her interests extend beyond music to ice skating and acting. She has already marked her presence on international stages, being the only Irish and UK singer to reach the finals of the Tour Music Fest in San Marino in 2025.

Beyond performance, Naomi has demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy through her music. She has used her singing skills to support charitable causes, notably raising funds for individuals affected by cancer in her local community.

The Irish duo’s entry into Junior Eurovision not only showcases their individual talents but also reflects a broader cultural engagement with youth performance arts. The competition provides a platform for young artists like Naomi and Caleb to gain international exposure and experience in a high-profile musical environment.

Details regarding the full scope of the competition or the reactions from the Irish delegation remain limited as the event approaches. However, the live broadcast and voting process promise to engage audiences and highlight the young performers’ talents on a continental stage.

As they prepare for their moment on the international stage, Naomi and Caleb carry the hopes of Ireland’s junior music enthusiasts, eager to see how their song “Níos Láidre” resonates with viewers across Europe and beyond.