Russell James Alford

A big reason for it is I don’t have the persistent personally. I never have. Last thing I want is someone to find me annoying for asking, knocking on the door etc.

The realisation it’s been THAT long has spooked me. Have I wasted 20 years by being polite, putting my head down, doing a solid job.

It’s my 34th birthday in just over a month and this weekend I realised that it’s been approximately 20 years since I realised I wanted to be a radio presenter.

20 yrs making demos, student and online radio, temp stations, internships…(bit of a gap)… then working in production. And still… not. 🫠

On the show today: All our derelict buildings; @russell-james.bsky.social on Eurovision serving kant; @henrymckean.bsky.social on trying to pay bills; @declanbuckley.bsky.social & @barbarascully.bsky.social want to help, but can't; @eithneshortall.bsky.social on reading ruts; Bird flu restrictions

💯. Loved her song last year a bit more but just want her on the ESC stage again

Incredible! 🇵🇱 Poland, please pick Justyna! #PolskieKwalifikacje2025

Adding to this, I’m currently watching #MESC 🇲🇹 and their entrant from last year is on stage signing their 4th song. She didn’t qualify in Malmo. But she is still being celebrated.

That wouldn’t happen here.

The funny thing is, JESC’s shows are recorded in RTÉ. So the ability is there. It just doesn’t work in the environment. It doesn’t work in the framework that’s there. But it also is recorded too… and that’s a big difference

Thank you!

Again, the audio issues exist. The lights were wild. Cameras were working in a TIGHT space, in fairness to the crew. But it just didn’t look great for everyone.

It’s a shame because it’s not like RTÉ can’t produce high quality TV shows.

Look forward to repeating all this again next year

After being in the studio, then watching it back when I got home- I’ve seen just how limited the space is. It’s on The Late Late Show ultimately so they don’t have to spend money on studio, crew etc, and it’s a captive audience on the biggest show.

But it doesn’t translate to great performances.

What’s the solution? I wish I knew. I don’t know if a standalone national selection is the ultimate answer. But It would help, a lot.

But there is a mentality & perception of ESC that exists and is a hangover of the 90s, the Dustin’s and the dark era of mid 00s. And LLS Eurosong isn’t fixing it.

There isn’t a huge payoff or bonus to those who came 2nd or 3rd. We barely playlist the game winning song in most radio stations, so air play isn’t a thing. Compared to Sweden or Italy, where the exposure is beneficial.

And that’s a shame, because most of those songs were REALLY good.

While I love EMMY’s song and looking forward to the journey ahead- I worry that the Irish music scene may think “what’s the point?”, seeing the five others didn’t “win”

And I totally get why.

Those shows are also not on at 2135 ending at midnight. They’re in the most part family viewing. They’re not saying “slay” or “fabulous” just because it’s Eurovision.

Sanremo 🇮🇹 and even Mello 🇸🇪 to an extent are shows which celebrate music, where the prize happens to be the chance to represent

But then does a standalone selection show fix this?

It depends on the show. While the likes of, UMK 🇫🇮, Söngvakeppnin 🇮🇸, Vidbir 🇺🇦 and others are shows like “Eurosong” - they’re big productions with budgets for staging, lights and space. Something Irish fans are crying out for.

Okay I think I can articulate a bit better now.

One of the issues with the combination of Ireland + Eurovision is that there is a sense that “if we don’t win, what’s the point?”

It often feels like we judge the song on the ability to beat 35+ countries. Rather than just represent, be proud.

I’m still a bit bewildered by Eurosong last night. I’ve got so many opinions and thoughts on it all. I don’t know where to start

I have a sudden notion in me that maybe I’d like to enjoy running. But my shins always hurt, my asthma gives me pains and at my current weight I’m not sure it’s going to work for me.

But I have visions of me maybe enjoying it 🤷‍♂️

Any tips on starting without getting injured or hating it?

I really need to use this place a bit more.

Hello. It’s 2025. I survived the first week. How? Booked Monday & Tuesday off 🤣

Need any inspiration? We wrote the book on it… #HotFat #fryanuary

Claudia after another successful faithful banishment #TheTraitors

He’s only been in my life for almost two months, but Hammy has brightened it up so much ever since 🥹

It’s the work Christmas party tonight.

I’m excited to have some social time with my colleagues (hard to when working in breakfast radio) but feeling very meh about how my hair is, my skin is, my outfit 😒

I’ll be fine after a wine 🤣

On the show today: @russell-james.bsky.social on sambo haters; Alien as a panto; World's oldest newly-weds; Anime beats lesbians on pornhub; @toxicolly.bsky.social reviews 'Lord of the Rings: war of the Rohirrim' & 'Carry-on'; @jeansmullen.bsky.social with wine; Showbiz News.

So over the moon to have booked Monday off 💛

So frustrating

RTÉ not putting results up during counts is *really frustrating*. It’s very hard to keep up without them as they’re being announced

THE DONUT! 🤣 I knew it had a name.

What’s the one when they all jump on the shoulders? I’m so out of practice 🤣

A unique Irish election tradition.

The TV interviewee flanked by dozens of people staring into the camera. And into your soul. #GE24

⚠️ “HEALTH WARNING” WARNING ‼️ on RTÉ One #ge24