About the Rovers
Founded in 1926 by Tommie Ryan, the Shannon Rovers was originally composed of Irishmen, predominantly immigrants who settled in Chicago in the 1920s. Their mission was to preserve and share traditional Irish music within the community, and to serve as a vital social institution for the Irish immigrant population.
Tommie Ryan
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama
Since its inception, the Shannon Rovers have performed at thousands of local, national, and international events, proudly counting plumbers, social workers, bankers, lawyers, electricians, doctors, first responders and more as members. The ‘Rovers,’ as they are colloquially known, have racked up a series of notable accomplishments, including playing at the 1933 World’s Fair, for His Holiness Pope John Paul II, for several U.S. Presidents and contemporary artists namely Rod Stewart and Andre Rieu. Since 1956 the Rovers have led the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade cementing their status as an essential part of the fabric of the Chicago community.
The band’s signature set namely ‘Garryowen,’ ‘O’Donnell Abu,’ and the ‘Wearing of the Green’ showcases ancient Irish melodies composed in the 1700s and 1800s, some of which chronicle historic events as far back as the 1600s.
Beyond performances the Rovers philanthropic arm includes performing at charitable events, specifically Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, Misericordia Heart of Mercy Home, Centers for Concern, and with the Lt. Dan Band, benefiting the Gary Sinise Veterans Foundation. This long-standing tradition of in-kind service reflects the group’s deep commitment to the community by using music to honor, uplift and connect people across generations.
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band
Today the band is composed of more than 80 pipers, drummers, and color guard members. Since its founding hundreds of individuals have played in the band and in many cases, membership has been passed down from generation to generation because of one shared theme: a love of traditional Irish music and heritage.
