SINGER and former Fair City star Ryan O'Shaughnessy has been announced as Ireland's entry at the Eurovision this May.

RTE today confirmed that the 25-year-old has been picked for the song competition - as first revealed by the Irish Sun.

4 Ryan is hoping to bring back a win for Ireland

4 Ryan O'Shaughnessy in 2012

He will sing the song Together, which has been written by Ryan along with Mark Caplice and Laura Elizabeth Hughes.

Delighted Ryan said: "As one of three songwriters on Together, I’m delighted it has been chosen to represent Ireland in Eurovision 2018, and on top of that, to be asked to perform for my country is an absolute honour.

"I plan on doing Ireland proud by bringing a song and performance to Eurovision that we haven’t seen since the days of Rock and Roll Kids.

"Last year’s winning song from Salvador Sobral was a beautiful, melodic piece, and I think it may have carved the way for the Eurovision to revert back to being a song contest where true songs can flourish.

4 Last year's winner Salvador with the Eurovision trophy Credit: AFP or licensors

"I can’t wait to get onto that stage and perform an honest piece for millions of people.”

The announcement came after he alerted fans to a big announcement yesterday via his Instagram and Twitter account.

Over 300 songs were submitted to RTE for consideration with a panel of experts choosing the winning track.

Vocalist Ryan, from Skerries in north Dublin, finished in fifth place when he made the finals of Britain's Got Talent in 2012.

4 Ryan on Britain's Got Talent in 2012

That same year he appeared on the first series of The Voice of Ireland, and another RTE show The Hit.

Ryan is currently on tour in the US.

RTE first approached Dublin twins Ellie and Louise Macnamara, known as the Heathers.

Bosses also chose not to send Sex Pistols legend Johnny Rotten - but think he could be in with a shot next year.

MOST READ IN SHOWBIZ fairly odd Viewers feel like they're 'hallucinating' as characters 'teleport' on Fair City 'SO LUCKY' EastEnders' Lacey Turner pregnant with 2nd child after miscarriage heartache Exclusive moving don Morah Ryan and boyfriend Don Mescall sell homes to 'take relationship up a gear' MAUR GLAM Maura Higgins' fans say she looks like 'goddess' as she poses in lingerie Exclusive A QUESTION OF COURTSHIP Alex Scott is dating Coronation Street hunk Sam Robertson AMY'S ANTICS Amy Huberman says it took 'everything' not to shout while hubby was on TV

However, they declined as the station wanted them to perform a song by others songwriters.

The semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 will take place on Tuesday, May 8 and Thursday, May 10, with the grand final taking place on Saturday, May 12.