AN ENNISCORTHY native will be the sole Irishman amongst the vast numbers of crew working on this year’s Eurovision, which kicked off today (Tuesday).

Kevin Moorhouse (44) who hails from RectoryHeights, Enniscorthy will be directly responsible for lighting up this year’s Irish entry Ryan Dolan, from Tyrone, when he sings his song Only Love Survives.

The stagehand is the only Irish person chosen to work on the pop extravaganza which takes place in Malmö, Sweden today, Thursday and Saturday.

Mr. Moorhouse grew up in Enniscorthy and attended the ChristianBrothersSecondary School, before moving to Sweden in 1999, marrying and settling there. He returns three times a year to his hometown.

When he first moved to Gothenburg, Sweden, he had no job and didn’t know a word of Swedish, before finding work in an Irish pub. He began his career in stage work as a part time ‘sideline’ job in 2000, before realising how much he loved it and making it full time.

He said about the Eurovision: “This is by far the largest (concert) I’ve ever been involved with. The crew have just 45 seconds between each act to set things up for the next performer so everything has to be precise.”

He got his big break a year after moving to Sweden on a Tina Turner concert, and has since worked on gigs for the likes of Paul McCartney, U2 and Bruce Springsteen.

Among the perks of his job includes receiving free tickets for any concert he wises to attend in his spare time, as well getting to meet some stars – not that he always recognises them.

He recalled one such memory: “A few years back I was working on a U2 gig and got talking to a few guys at the bar. I asked them if they were drivers and they said ‘no, we are the band.’ Turns out it was Snow Patrol who were supporting U2.”

His latest career achievement is a highlight for Mr. Moorhouse, who as a fellow spot- operator, is responsible for one of the 14 giant lights which move around the stage with the artist.

He laughed: “By sheer coincidence I’ve been given the spot for Ryan Dolan’s performance, so I’m the Irishman lighting up the Irishman.”

Another local link involved with this year’s mammoth music contest is Wexford drummer Nicky Bailey who will perform alongside Dolan.

Mr. Bailey, of Extreme Rhythm previously said he was “over the moon” to be taking part in the competition,