RTÉ to broadcast 'My Lovely Horse' episode of Father Ted on night of Eurovision Grand Final

RTÉ 2 will air the Father Ted episode, 'A Song for Europe', on Saturday, May 16 – the night of the Eurovision Grand Final.

RTÉ confirmed in December that, for the first time in 61 years, it would not broadcast any of the three Eurovision shows this week.

The episode follows Father Ted (Dermot Morgan), and Dougal (Ardal O'Hanlon) as they attempt to win the Irish National Final for the Eurovision Song Contest. Together they write 'My Lovely Horse', and against all odds are selected as Ireland's entry.

It was established last year that Ireland would not be participating in this year's Eurovision Song Contest, after the European Broadcasting Union confirmed that Israel will be allowed to take part.

"RTÉ feels that Ireland's participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk", stated the broadcaster. "RTÉ remains deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza during the conflict and the continued denied access to international journalists to the territory".

Four other countries, including Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain have also boycotted the contest over Israeli participation.

The competition is being held in Vienna, Austria this year, and marks the 70th anniversary of the European Song Contest.