Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest Switzerland has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 59 times since making its debut at the first contest in , missing only four contests, in 1995, 1999, 2001 and 2003. Switzerland hosted the first contest in 1956 in Lugano, and won it. Switzerland won the contest again in 1988, with the contest being held in Lausanne. Lys Assia won the first contest in 1956 with the song "Refrain". She returned to place second in . Switzerland would go on to finish second with Esther Ofarim () and Daniela Simmons () and third with Franca
Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1988 Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1988 Thanks to Johnny Logan's win in Brussels in 1987, the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest was to be held in Dublin. The song "Take Him Home", written and composed by Peter Eades and performed by Jump The Gun was chosen to represent Ireland after winning the national final selection. Held on 6 March at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, the national final, "Eurosong '88" was hosted for the second year in succession by Marty Whelan (who would provide commentary for RTÉ's broadcast of the contest from 2000 onwards, although he did provided the TV