Abbey Tavern Singers

Beginnings The group's history begins in 1962 near the ruins of Howth Abbey, when it was founded by Abbey Tavern owner Minnie Scott-Lennon, who decided to add a sing-along music attraction to her establishment. The idea was immediately successful, We're off to Dublin in the Green A song entitled "We're off to Dublin in the Green" was used by Carling Breweries Ltd in an international television advertising campaign. the song was released on Canada's ARC Records and became extremely popular in Canada, reaching No. 2 on Canada's CHUM Charts It was a surprise hit, partly because of the poor sound quality of the soundtrack, partly because of the song's ties to the IRA, and partly because of its association with an alcoholic beverage. It was also released in the United States, on Hanna-Barbera Records where it charted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 94 staying for two weeks and on the "Easy Listening" charts at No. 40. "Off to Dublin in the Green" spent five weeks on the Cashbox Top 100 chart, with a peak at number 68. Not wanting to take sides politically, the B-side was a song of the Orangemen, "Captain of the Gallant Forty Twa," Carling Black Label reported increased market share following the release of the advertising campaign and the song's subsequent popularity. Popularity and international touring In response to the popularity of "Off to Dublin", albums were also released, containing material recorded entirely at the Abbey Tavern in Ireland. Demand for live appearances became so strong in North America that a tour was conducted there in 1967. The group's successors were still advertised as performing at the Abbey Tavern in Dublin as of 2013. ==Performance style==

At the peak of their popularity the group was classified as folk music. Partly this was because the Singers had not developed a stage act, and were known to appear disinterested when not participating in a given number. While their performances of some songs such as "This Land Is Your Land" were noted for their energy, performances of other songs were panned as maudlin. Although the group name indicated a vocal ensemble, they were praised for their instrumental work in concerts. Their set lengths were noted for their generosity. ==Influence and legacy==

ARC Records made special trips to Ireland in hopes of discovering new Irish talent in hopes of duplicating the success of the Abbey Tavern Singers. The popularity of "We're off to Dublin in the Green" inspired several cover versions, not all of which were appreciated by the Abbey Tavern Singers. ==Members==

• Anne Byrne – vocals • Paddy Joseph "PJ" Downes – spoons • Seamus Gallagher – fiddle • Michael MacAoghain – fiddle • Margaret Monks – vocals • Tess Nolan – vocals • John O'Brien – guitar • Michael O'Connell – vocals • Joe O'Leary – fiddle • Brian O'Rourke – banjo • Bill Powers – banjo; mandolin • Tommy Reck – Uilleann pipes • Mary Sheehan – vocals ==Discography==

Singles Canada • ARC 1144 – 1966: Off to Dublin in the Green/The Captain of the Gallant Forty Twa' • 1967 – ''You Don't Have To Be Irish...'' – ARC Records (Canada) • 1968 – The Abbey Tavern Singers on Tour – ARC Records (Canada); Reissued 1970 in Ireland on Spin Records • 1969 – Traditional Music And Song – Abbey Tavern Records (Ireland) • 1970 – Traditional Ballads – Abbey Tavern Records (Ireland) ==References==