Ireland was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1999 with the song "When You Need Me", written by Bronagh Mullan, and performed by The Mullans. The Irish participating broadcaster, (RTÃÂ), selected its entry through a national final.
was a radio song contest started in 1995 by RTàRaidió na Gaeltachta exclusively for Irish songs. The first edition of the contest was not related to Eurosong, but from 1996 until 1999, the recent winner of would qualify to Eurosong. Ten songs were chosen to compete in the 5th edition of and, starting on 2 December 1998, one song was presented each day between 10:30 and 11:00 (GMT) on the radio show . The final of <nowiki>'</nowiki>99 was broadcast at 10:00 (GMT) on 18 December 1998 and was hosted by Seán àhÃÂanaigh. The results of <nowiki>'</nowiki>99 were decided by a 3-member jury consisting of Carrie Crowley, Eithne NàUallacháin, and Cian àCiobháin. However, the running order and results of Réalta '99 are unknown.
RTÃÂ held Eurosong '99 on 7 March at the RTÃÂ Television Centre in Dublin, hosted by Pat Kenny. Eight artists and songs were selected to compete which were presented on 9 January 1999 on the RTÃÂ show Kenny Live. Regional televoting determined the winner and after the combination of votes, "When You Need Me" performed by the Mullans was selected as the winner.
The Mullans performed 17th in the running order on the evening of the contest. "When You Need Me" picked up 18 points, finishing in 17th place.