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

[2] The final of Réalta '99 was broadcast at 10:00 GMT on 18 December 1998 and was hosted by Seán Ó hÉanaigh.

[3] The results of Réalta '99 were decided by a 3-member jury consisting of Carrie Crowley, Eithne Ní Uallacháin, and Cian Ó Ciobháin.

Eight artists and songs were selected to compete which were presented on 9 January 1999 on the RTÉ show Kenny Live.

The Mullans performed 17th in the running order on the evening of the contest, a draw on which three previous Irish entries had won ("What's Another Year?"