The Rovers return

Throughout the years, these international ambassadors of Irish music have maintained their timeless ability to deliver a rollicking, rousing performance of good cheer - one that will soon have you singing and clapping along.

The story of the Irish Rovers starts in Canada, where 16-year-old George Millar from Ballymena and 23-year-old Jim Ferguson, both new emigrants from Northern Ireland, met in Toronto at an Irish function.

They ended up singing together 'til dawn and so the Irish Rovers were launched. They performed as a duo until George's cousin, Joe Millar, immigrated to Canada from Ballymena the following year.

Joe, who played button-key accordion and harmonica, and also sang traditional ballads, was recruited as he stepped off the plane.

After several months of engagements around Ontario, the trio made their way to Calgary, Alberta, where they joined forces with George's brother, Will Millar.

The four Rovers then headed off to America - landing in at the famous folk club - The Purple Onion - in San Francisco, where they ended up headlining for an unprecedented 22 sold-out weeks. The folk clubs of California became the learning grounds for the young Rovers, and they were offered a recording contract with Decca Records.

In 1966, The First Of The Irish Rovers, a live album recorded at The Icehouse in Pasadena, was released. It generated enough excitement to warrant another album, and from this release came the million selling single The Unicorn, the band's signature song to this day. Wilcil McDowell, an old friend from Ireland, joined the band at this time, enhancing their sound and rounding out the group.

Through the 1970s and early 80s, the Rovers brought their magic to television with a weekly series for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and later, a series on the Global Network in conjunction with Ulster Television in Ireland. In 1980-81, The Rovers once again soared to the top of the pop and country charts with Wasn't That A Party. This real-life celebration was written by their friend, US folk singer Tom Paxton, after he witnessed one of the band's famous post-show parties. It has gone on to become an international anthem of good cheer.

The Irish Rovers continue to perform in theatres around the world with original members George Millar and Wilcil McDowell.

Completing The Irish Rovers line-up today are John Reynolds from Belfast, Sean O'Driscoll from Cork, Ian Millar from Ballymena and percussionist Fred Graham from Belfast.

Competition

The Irish Rovers will return to Belfast to record a TV Special/DVD in The Waterfront Studio on Wednesday, September 15.

The Ballymena and Antrim Times has two pairs of tickets to give-away to be in the audience for this special recording.

Simply send your answer, along with your name, address and contact number, to Irish Rovers competition, Ballymena and Antrim Times, 22-24 Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, BT43 6AL.

Q. Name one of the members of the Irish Rovers' current line up.

Closing date is Tuesday, September 7. Normal Morton Newspapers competition rules apply.