Caleb Kirwan & Naomi Gribben
Níos Láidre
Biography
Caleb Kirwan and Naomi Gribben are two young Irish singers, aged 13, who have made history by becoming the first duo to represent Ireland at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Caleb, a native of Dublin, grew up in a music-filled environment; from a young age, he demonstrated a warm voice, a passion for international pop music, and a steadfast commitment to honing his vocal technique. Meanwhile, Naomi, originally from Mayobridge (County Down), trained early on in classical singing, musical theatre, and contemporary dance. Despite her youth, Naomi had already gained significant stage and television experience, having been a finalist in the European Tour Music Fest and having appeared on the iconic The Late Late Toy Show.
Their artistic partnership came about in a unique way during the Junior Eurovision Éire 2026 national selection contest, organized by the Irish public broadcaster TG4. After competing individually throughout the show's various rounds, the panel of experts was captivated by the extraordinary chemistry, power, and vocal synergy that emerged when their voices combined; consequently, they were awarded a joint victory and the opportunity to represent their country together.
Away from the glare of television sets and recording studios, both Caleb and Naomi attend secondary school and lead the typical lives of young people their age. Those close to them describe them as outgoing, disciplined, and deeply passionate about music. In his free time, Caleb enjoys outdoor sports, playing the guitar, and exploring new musical styles, while Naomi devotes her spare time to design, reading, and movement-based expression. For the 24th edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Ta' Qali (Malta), Caleb Kirwan and Naomi Gribben perform "Níos Láidre" (Stronger), a vibrant pop song sung entirely in Irish Gaelic. The entry is a radiant, optimistic anthem about friendship, loyalty, and mutual support; its lyrics convey the message that, in the face of any adversity along the way, the bond between people enables us to be much stronger tomorrow than we are today.
Videos
Lyrics
Is fada an bóthar nach mbíonn casadh ann (glac go réidh é) De réir a chéile a thógtar na caisleáin Ag athrú an t-am ar fad Ar an mbealach Níl mé ag iarraidh stad Oooh Nuair a athraíonn an saol, Cuir glaoch orm ‘is beidh mé ann Chomh tapa le traein, ‘is beimid Níos lá-lá-lá-láidre, láidre ‘Is muid taobh le taobh Éireoidh linn is beimid, Níos lá-lá-lá-láidre Amá-má-má-márach Ná inniu Agus níl ceann scríbe ‘gainn go fóill (beir ar mo lámh) Bheadh áthas orm a bheith ag siúl go deo Leatsa an t-am ar fad Ar an mbealach Níl muid ag iarraidh stad Nuair a athraíonn an saol, Cuir glaoch orm ‘is beidh mé ann Chomh tapa le traein, ‘is beimid Níos lá-lá-lá-láidre, láidre ‘Is muid taobh le taobh Éireoidh linn is beimid, Níos lá-lá-lá-láidre Amá-má-má-márach Ná inniu Da da da da da da da Da da da da da da da Da da da da da da da da da da Da da da da da da da Da da da da da da da da/Ohhhhhhh Da da da da da da da/Ohhhhhhh Da da da da da da da da da /Ohhhhhhh Da da da da /Ohhhhhhh Nuair a athraíonn an saol, Cuir glaoch orm ‘is beidh mé ann Chomh tapa le traein, ‘is beimid Níos lá-lá-lá-láidre, láidre Agus muid taobh le taobh Éireoidh linn is beimid, Níos lá-lá-lá-láidre Amá-má-má-márach Ná inniu It’s a long road that has no turns (take it easy/take your time) Castles are built little by little Changing all the time Along the way I don’t want to stop Oooh When life changes, Call me and I’ll be there As fast as a train, and we’ll be Stro-o-o-onger With us side by side We’ll succeed and we’ll be, Stro-o-o-onger Tomor-or-or-orrow Than today And we don’t have a destination yet (take my hand) I’d be happy walking forever With you all the time Along the way We don’t want to stop When life changes, Call me and I’ll be there As fast as a train, and we’ll be Stro-o-o-onger, stronger With us side by side We’ll succeed and we’ll be, Stro-o-o-onger Tomor-or-or-orrow Than today Da da da da da da da Da da da da da da da Da da da da da da da da da da Da da da da da da da Da da da da da da da da/Ohhhhhhh Da da da da da da da/Ohhhhhhh Da da da da da da da da da /Ohhhhhhh Da da da da /Ohhhhhhh When life changes, Call me and I’ll be there As fast as a train, and we’ll be Stro-o-o-onger, stronger With us side by side We’ll succeed and we’ll be, Stro-o-o-onger Tomor-or-or-orrow Than today
Who voted for Ireland
Juries: 20 points
- 6
Albania
- 5
Italy
- 4
San Marino
- 2
Montenegro
- 2
Poland
- 1
Portugal
Online vote: 44 points (announced as a single total).