Second Eurovision winner pledges to return trophy after Nemo returned theirs over Israel's inclusion
Photo: X @IPSC/Reuters
Charlie McGettigan, the Irish singer who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994, has pledged to return his Eurovision trophy in a symbolic protest over Israel’s inclusion in the upcoming 2026 competition, but with a twist: he first has to find it.
McGettigan, who won the contest alongside Paul Harrington with the song Rock ’n’ Roll Kids, announced his intention in a video shared by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
He said he was inspired to take action after being contacted by Nemo, the Swiss artist who won Eurovision 2024 and recently sent their own trophy back to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in protest.
📣 We are delighted to announce that 1994 Eurovision winner for Ireland Charlie McGettigan has decided to hand back his trophy to the EBU in protest at apartheid Israel's continued participation in the contest! #BoycottEurovision pic.twitter.com/TuJeQWUsuO
In the video, McGettigan described Nemo’s explanation of their decision as sincere and well-reasoned, and said he wanted to join in solidarity.
However, he admitted that his victory came more than three decades ago and he has since misplaced the physical trophy he received. McGettigan pledged that if he does locate the award, he will send it back to the EBU as well.
Nemo’s protest began after the EBU confirmed Israel would be allowed to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest despite widespread criticism tied to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
McGettigan’s pledge adds a historical layer to the controversy over Eurovision’s direction. Ireland, along with several other countries, has withdrawn from the 2026 contest in opposition to Israel’s participation.