The Irish participating broadcaster, Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ), selected its entry through a national final.

Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ) held the Irish national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 1980 on 9 March 1980 at its studios in Dublin, hosted by Larry Gogan.

The winner went on to win the Eurovision Song Contest in The Hague, which gave Ireland its second victory, ten years after its first.

The song was performed second on the night, following the United Kingdom's Cliff Richard with "Congratulations" and preceding Israel's Dana International with "Diva."

Unlike "Hold Me Now," "What's Another Year" failed to make it past the first round, finishing 12th with 74 points.