Eddie Friel, who represented Ireland at the 1995 Eurovision Song Contest with “Dreamin’,” has died aged 64 after a brief illness. The Belfast-born, Donegal-raised musician spent many years living in Innsbruck, Austria, where he continued performing and writing music.

The two accounts agree on the central facts of Friel’s career and death, though they frame the Eurovision episode differently. One describes the allegation over “Dreamin’” as a “controversial plagiarism row,” while the other calls it an “explosive” clash. Both report that the song was alleged to resemble “Moonlight,” a 1971 folk song by Julie Felix, and that RTÉ considered replacing it with Eurosong runner-up “Always You,” performed by Naoimh Kavanagh.¹

Phil Coulter, the veteran Eurovision songwriter asked to assess the songs, concluded that their similarities were most likely “an unhappy and unfortunate accident” rather than deliberate plagiarism.² A settlement with Felix’s representatives was subsequently reached, allowing Friel to perform “Dreamin’” in Dublin. He finished 14th with 44 points, ending Ireland’s run of three successive Eurovision victories.

Beyond the contest, both reports stress a broader career: Friel began as a teacher in 1986, became a familiar performer around Northern Ireland in the 1990s, and played piano, organ and synthesiser on Van Morrison’s 1991 album Hymns to the Silence.¹ After moving to Austria, he remained active as a piano-bar musician, vocalist and composer.

His death notice said he would be “sadly missed and fondly remembered” by his family and friends.² Online tributes recalled a musician whose local reputation extended well beyond his Eurovision appearance.