Handlung

Irish folk songs, and comedy skits featuring the boys as mischievous leprechauns. A multitude of guest stars. Filmed in-studio and on location throughout Canada.

The Irish Rovers was formed by Will Millar, who was living Calgary, Alberta. He brought his brother George Millar & his friend Jim Ferguson from Toronto in 1963; which began the inception of the band. Both boys haled from Ireland. After working successfully in California, where they introduced the song 'the Unicorn', the team returned, eventually to Canada where they began a variety show of Irish folk songs. George's cousin, Joe Millar emigrated to Canada & was immediately seized for the group as a bassist and talented vocalist. Will Millar left the group in 1995 & Jim Ferguson died in 1997. The Rovers now consist of six members including the original founder & his cousin.—GEORGE W HUDSON

In the early 1970's, on the heels of their worldwide success with the 'Unicorn' LP, The Irish Rovers TV show was born. Featuring Canada's Irish Rovers - former residents of Northern Ireland who emigrated to Canada as teens - the show featured lively Irish music, taped in front of a live studio audience at CBC-TV studios in Vancouver, B.C. The Irish Rovers were fronted by Will Millar (banjo/tin whistle/6-string guitar), his brother George (6 & 12-string guitar), cousin Joe (bass guitar/harmonica/button key melodeon), lead vocalist Jimmy Ferguson, and rounding out the group was Wilcil McDowell (accordion). In addition to the music, each show featured a lively comedy segment with three of the Rovers as wily, mischievous leprechauns. Early music videos were also a major part of the show, usually featuring the boys singing traditional songs to a scenic background of Ireland. A highly successful staple of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that ran for 6 seasons.—medic249a2

The Irish Rovers was formed by George Millar and Jimmy Ferguson, who met in Toronto Canada in 1963. George's cousin, Joe Millar emigrated to Canada and was immediately seized for the group as a bassist and talented vocalist. After the three traveled to Calgary Alberta, Will Millar joined up. In 1967 Wilcil McDowell joined and completed the original lineup. All members hailed from Ireland. After working successfully in California, where they introduced the song 'the Unicorn', the team returned, eventually to Canada where they began a variety show of Irish folk songs. Will Millar left the group in 1994 and Jim Ferguson died in 1997. The Rovers now consist of eight members including the original founder George Millar, his 2nd cousin Ian Millar who took over from his father, and original Rover Wilcil McDowell.—Jennifer Fahrni