In 1987 and 1988, Whelan co-hosted Eurosong (Irish heats for the Eurovision Song Contest) along with Maxi. RTÉ gave the commentator's job to different presenters between 1988 and 1999 including Mike Murphy, Ronan Collins, Jimmy Greeley and Pat Kenny. In the autumn of 1999, Pat Kenny decided not to return as Commentator. Reportedly Gerry Ryan (who had hosted the contest in 1994) was RTÉ's favorite for the job. However, it was later announced that RTÉ would give the job back to Whelan. Whelan returned to commentate for Ireland at the 2000 Contest, which was held in Sweden and continues to provide commentary for RTÉ since 2000.