Eurovision Song Contest Ireland 1981

After Johnny Logan won the Eurovision Song Contest 1980 with What’s Another Year, the 1981 contest was held in Dublin, Ireland, the second time Ireland hosted the contest. The final was held on 4 April in the RDS Simmonscourt, a pavilion normally used for agricultural and horse shows, under heavy guard with over 250 armed soldiers and police on duty. The set was the largest seen in the contest so far. The host broadcaster was RTÉ and the presenter was Doireann Ní Bhriain. 20 countries took part, equalling the record of 1978. Cyprus made its debut, and Israel and Yugoslavia returned after one and five years away. Morocco and Italy did not enter.

Bucks Fizz from the United Kingdom won with Making Your Mind Up and 136 points, 4 points ahead of Germany’s Johnny Blue by Lena Valaitis, which finished second for the second year in a row. France’s Humanahum was third. It was the fourth victory for the United Kingdom, after 1967, 1969 and 1976.

Sources: Wikipedia: Eurovision Song Contest 1981 (host broadcaster, presenter, venue, participants).