also - about moving before the COPR - quite a few people have done it without troubles. you should avoid looking like you are moving permanently, but since you are canadian, you can return to Canada with your belongings, and settling in Canada. For your husband, it is advisable to have the copy of the sponsorship approval, to show that the process is on going, and either a return ticket, or copy of your bank account showing funds sufficient to buy one...it's always up to the border officer to decide to let your husband in the country or not, but i doubt that he will be denied... especially if he says that he is coming for a long visit.
some people also reported declaring at the border that they are coming in the country to wait for their PR to come through, and being allowed in without trouble. Try and search for "dual intent" on the forum and you can read more about it.
that's what I intend to do -my partner has been approved to sponsor me, but the PR has not come through yet (same timeline as you more or less), and I'm flying to Canada on the 15th of october, with or without PR.
i think it's important that when crossing the border you make it clear that you are aware of the rules, and that your husband is coming as a visitor and will stay the lenght of his visa, and leave the country if asked to leave - but once in the country you can also request an extension of his tourist visa online - so the PR will come through probably without him having to return to Ireland.
good luck,
Sweden