Ireland came a step closer to selecting its artist for Junior Eurovision 2019 earlier this evening as the selection show reached the Semi Final stage.

Eight acts; in two groups of four, performed with one act from each group being chosen by the judges to automatically go through to the final and two further artists facing a ‘sing off’ for the third place in the final.

Judges Chris Greene and Grainne Bleasdale were joined by guest judge,  Eurovision 1993 winner Niamh Kavanagh.

The first four acts to perform were:

Anna Kearney
Alison McGrath
Caoimhe McBride
Seisear Séiseach

Anna Kearney was chosen to go through to the final.

The second group consisted of:

Savannah Phoenix-Munroe
Arabella Dolan
Orla McDermott
Skye Murphy Darrer

With Savannah Phoenix-Munroe getting the judges vote to progress to the final.

Alison McGrath and Orla Mcdermott were chosen to take part in the sing off with Orla Mcdermott coming out victorious by two votes to one to also progress.

The Final will take place next Sunday when the winner will be chosen.  A song will be specially written for the winner and will be revealed at a later date.