Eurosong mentors announced

The next Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmo, Sweden in May 2013 and today RTE have revealed the arrangements for Ireland's participation.

Noting the relatively strong Jedward showings over the past two years, the national broadcaster has opted to retain the same mentoring procedure.

The chosen five? Mairead Farrell, Shay Healy, Mark McCabe, Niall Mooney and Stuart O'Connor.

They're charged with finding the singers and songs they believe will lead Ireland to victory before the new year. The five selected acts will then perform for the first time on The Late Late Show Eurosong 2013 on Friday February 22. A winner will be selected by a public vote and regional jury.

Commenting, RTÉ Eurovision Co-ordinator Michael Kealy said: "The five mentors this year represent a wide range of experience and talent from the world of music and show business and I believe the songs and acts they choose will deliver a very exciting and competitive Eurosong final in February.”

Here are the CVs of the eclectic group of mentors:

Mairéad Farrell is a radio and television star and a lifelong Eurovision fan. A member of Ray D’Arcy’s radio team, she has also recently presented Celebrity Bainisteoir.

Shay Healy is a writer and performer who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1980 with his song “What’s Another Year” sung by Johnny Logan. He is also known for his work as a television presenter, in particular the popular Nighthawks programme which he presented on RTÉ from 1988 to 1993.

Mark McCabe is a Radio DJ and music producer, in 2000 he had a hit single with “Maniac 2000” which remains one of Ireland’s biggest selling records of all time.

Niall Mooney is a songwriter and producer based in Galway. He has had previous Eurosong success, co-writing Ireland’s 2009 Eurovision entry “Etcetera” performed by Sinead Mulvey and Black Daisy and Ireland’s 2010 entry “It’s for You” performed by Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh

Stuart O’Connor runs Spotlight Stage School and is one of Ireland’s top producers and choreographers, he has produced musicals such as ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Annie’ as well as the recent “Best of Eurovision Show” in the BGE Theatre.