In 1968, the predecessor of the Juno’s named The Irish Rovers Canada’s, “Folk Group of the Year”, and the following year, they received a Grammy nomination for “Folk Performance of the Year”.
As hosts of three national television series in Canada and Ireland, through the 1970's and 80s, The Irish Rovers increased the popularity of Irish music by way of the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation).
Canada's Prime Minister, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, personally asked the band if they could “please become Canadian” so that they could officially represent Canada throughout the world. Since then, they have represented Canada at no less than five world Expos, and in recognition for a quarter century of contributions to the International music world, The Irish Rovers won the Performing Rights Organization's (PROCAN) 'Harold Moon Award'.
Although all members of the band hail from Ireland, a number of their biggest hits were often "non-Irish". Their own rousing, traditional Irish compositions, however, do comprise the bulk of their music.
By the 90’s, their songwriting was even more prolific than their early years, and production of albums wasn’t about to slow down. Since they desired the freedom that as a younger band, they could not afford, in ’93 The Irish Rovers established their own record company, Rover Records. Their songs tell the story of the Irish, whether it’s a lost love, a sailor on leave, or the simple good taste of a Guinness. Rover Records has put out their last eleven albums, including Celtic Collection, Come Fill Up Your Glasses, Down by the Lagan Side, Another Round, Still Rovin', a Christmas album, and their greatest hits, 40 Years A-Rovin'.
Founding member George Millar is from Ballymena, original member Wilcil McDowell is from Larne, John Reynolds from Belfast, Sean O'Driscoll from Cork, Ian Millar from Ballymena, and percussionist Fred Graham is also from Belfast.
Former members include founding member Jimmy Ferguson who passed away in 1997 and Joe Millar.
The Littlest Leprachaun
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
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(the rest of this song is an instrumental)
The Irish Rovers commonly known as "The Littlest Leprachaun" is a fun and playful instrumental track that grabs attention from the get-go with its jovial chants, "Give it a one! Give it a two! Give it a three!" This song resonates deeply with Irish folklore, especially regarding the imagery and significance of the leprechaun. The instrumental tune conjures up images of the green hills of Ireland, with a little mischievous leprechaun running through them, causing chaos and laughter while the people cheer him on.
The reason why the song doesn't have any lyrics is that it is meant to showcase the leprechaun who's always been known in Irish mythology as a very private creature that doesn't like to be seen or heard. Thus, any form of music produced in his honor must be entirely instrumental to capture the essence of his personality. The instruments accompanying the song are a blend of traditional Irish sounds, including the pennywhistle, accordion, and fiddles, which add to the overall folk ambiance.
Overall, The Littlest Leprachaun is a delightful tune that encapsulates the jovial nature of the Irish people and their rich culture. The instrumental nature of the song captures the spirit of the leprechaun, very secretive, yet a vital part of Irish folklore.
Line by Line Meaning
Contributed by Eli F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@nopcshere6097
I absolutely love that 'McNamara's Band' sequence. Love how it also starred Joe & Wilcil.
@panicman10-js1oi
Man, how I miss this show. Thanks for the memories by posting this.
@KittyPouncer
I've been wanting to see these again for years! Somehow I missed your posts in my searches! Thank you! I do wish though that you'd included the opening/closing for these segments. (But at least there's one in the Shari Lewis Christmas special.)
@tonytaylor1780
this takes me back. my grandparents are gone , i remember sitting watching this with them
@bluterbucket
Thank you so very much for this. I’ve been searching.
@reneekennedy716
these guys were the best!
@esthergaringer4453
I really liked it when the guys dressed up as girls or women. I think it was very funny.
@kaceymcgurgan9746
Good work Irish rovers