“The story, as outlined by the ARC Records sleeve notes, stated that: "The Abbey Tavern Singers were formed in 1962 when Mrs. (Minnie) Scott-Lennon of the Abbey Tavern in Howth, Dublin decided that musicians and balladeers performing in a relaxed sing-along manner would be popular. Within a short time the newly formed Singers were drawing capacity crowds into the Howth establishment. In 1966 a solid Irish rouser "We're Off To Dublin In The Green" featuring the singers was released on TV as a beer commercial. This ad created by Carling Breweries Ltd. increased the group's popularity many times over and indeed in Canada listening to the Abbey Tavern Singers fast became the new national past-time. This song-come-jingle was then released on record by the Singers and became an international hit. Shortly thereafter the Abbey Tavern Singers toured North America and charmed the continent.”

source: CANOE -- JAM! Music - Pop Encyclopedia

The Abbey Tavern is still owned and operated by the Scott-Lennon family and the Abbey Tavern Singers continue to perform.
“The Barn, celebrating 45 years, features the world famous Abbey Tavern singers and musicians with a lively performance of music, song and the very best of Irish dancing.”

source: The Abbey Tavern website

Below is a list of members of the Abbey Tavern singers and the recordings on which they appeared.
(based on recordings in my collection)

  1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971
The Rafters Ring at The Abbey Tavern We're Off To Dublin In The Green You Don't Have To Be Irish… The Abbey Tavern Singers On Tour Traditional Music and Song** Traditional Ballads Traditional Irish Music and Ballads
Áine McCann           X  
Anne Byrne           X  
Bill Powers (banjo-mandolin) X X X      
Brendán Ó'Duill           X  
Brian O'Rourke (banjo)       X     X
Ceoltóiri             X
Denis McGrath             X
Heather Hodgins           X  
Joe O'Leary (fiddle) X X        
John Byrne           X  
John Fetherston             X
John O'Brien (guitar)       X      
Margaret Monks (vocals)   X X X      
Mary Hillary             X
Mary Sheehan (vocals)       X   X  
Micheal De Bruch             X
Michael Brookes (vocals & guitar)   X X        
Michael Crotty             X
Michael Kennedy           X X
Micheál MacAogáin           X  
Michael O'Connell (vocals)   X          
Mick and Charlie             X
P.J. Downes (spoons) X X X      
Pat O'Connell           X  
Rosemary O'Connor              
Seamus Gallagher (fiddle) X X X      
Sean Keane           X  
Tess Nolan (vocals)   X X        
Tommy Rick (Illin [sic] pipes)   X X      

…assumed appearance on this album - see notes.
**not currently in my collection
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