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The perennial popularity of The Saw Doctors

Formed in Tuam in 1991, The Saw Doctors have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with their unique blend of rock, folk, and Irish influences. If you, like Aisling Bea, adore The Saw Doctors, you are not alone.

'N17' is one of their most celebrated songs and has become an anthem that speaks to the universal experience of longing for home.

Amhrán faoi leith is ea N17, amhrán a raibh tionchar mór aige ar Éireannaigh nuair a eisíodh é agus a d'fhan i gcuimhne na ndaoine ó shin. Tá The Saw Doctors anois ag baint suilt as lucht leanúna atá óg ag teacht ar a gcuid ceoil don chéad uair tríd N17, ach go háirithe.

The Saw Doctors speak to Garry Mac Donncha on Aistear an Amhráin on RTÉ ONE about the iconic anthem.

The song, which has become a cultural touchstone and a cherished anthem, will take center stage in a captivating documentary that traces its journey from inception to its lasting influence on generations of Irish people at home and abroad.

Aistear an Amhráin, Tuesday, 7pm on RTÉ ONE promises to unravel the captivating story behind the song N17, that has resonated with listeners since its release.

Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh agus Na Saw Doctors

The documentary will take viewers on a journey through the band’s history, the cultural context that inspired the song, and the emotional connection it fosters among listeners, especially those who have experienced homesickness or the bittersweet feeling of leaving their roots behind.

Féach ar The Saw Doctors ag caint faoi thábhacht na dtithe ceoil ar Seisiún


The song was catapulted back into the nation’s consciousness on RTÉ’s New Year’s Eve Special2020/2021 when Tolu Makay’s rendition of the classic hit took viewers on an emotional and nostalgic journey. With her velvety vocals and impeccable musical arrangement from the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, she breathed new life into the beloved track, offering a fresh perspective that paid homage to the original while adding her own distinctive flair.

Sa chlár seo, labhrann amhránaithe, craoltóirí agus lucht leanúna an bhanna faoi luach an amhráin ina saol, cuimhní cinn agus féiniúlacht cheol na hÉireann freisin.

In addition to interviews and archive footage, the documentary will feature concert clips and personal anecdotes that shed light on The Saw Doctors' journey to create the song that has become a cherished part of Ireland’s musical heritage

te t

Féach siar ar Aistear an Amhráin anseo

Féach siar ar Seisiún anseo

Aistear an Amhráin, N17 is on Tuesday, at 7pm on RTÉ ONE

Seisiún is on Friday at 8.30pm on RTÉ ONE