Donna continues preparations for Eurosong 2012 final

ATHLONE'S Donna McCaul is currently embarking on a major publicity campaign ahead of her upcoming appearance on Eurosong 2012 on the Late, Late Show. Donna - along with four other entries - had her song for the competition, entitled 'Mercy', released to the public last Thursday, live on RTÉ Radio 1's Mooney Show. Donna this week told the Westmeath Independent that reaction to the song has been "fantastic", and that she's "extremely excited" at the prospect of performing the tune on the Late, Late Show on Friday, February 24. Donna's song is written by Marten Ericsson, Peter Mansson, Lina Ericsson and Bill Hughes, with the latter also Donna's designated 'mentor' throughout the build-up to the February 24 show. Speaking this week, Donna said: "Initially, I was a bit nervous about the prospect of going back into the Eurosong process, but since I've got out there, and done the Mooney Show, and since the public has had a chance to hear 'Mercy', the reaction and feedback has been overwhelming. It's all been very positive." Donna said public reaction to her song has given her a major shot of confidence in the build-up to February 24, and she hopes the songs are judged on the night on "the quality of the songs", and not just a certain person, or persons, popularity. "I really hope the best performance on the night, whoever it may be, goes through to the represent Ireland at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest," said Donna. "The reaction to my song from the studio panel on the Mooney Show was extremely positive, but I sort of knew people would love the song. There's also been great reaction to it on YouTube, so I'm just looking forward to doing all the publicity stuff between now and February 24, and then getting out on-stage and blowing the socks off people with my song," she added. The five acts, each selected by one of five music industry mentors, are Celtic Whisper with Maria McCool, Donna McCaul, Andrew Mann, duo Úna Gibney and David Shannon, and Jedward, who represented Ireland at last year's Eurovision. Celtic Whisper with Maria McCool's song is entitled 'Mistaken', written by Edele Lynch, who is also their mentor. Andrew Mann's song is 'Here I Am', written by Greg French, who is also his mentor, while Úna Gibney and David Shannon will be signing 'Language of Love', written by Eanan Patterson and Julian Benson. Their mentor is also Julian Benson. Jedward's song is called 'Waterline', written by Nick Jarl. Their mentor is Linda Martin. The winning act will be chosen on Eurosong 2012 on The Late Late Show on Friday, February 24. As was the case last year, Ireland's Eurovision entry will be selected by a combination of public and regional jury vote. This year's Eurovision will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan in May, with Ireland competing in the first semi-final on Tuesday, May 22.