Champions singer Gina named Cork Person of the Month

Singer Gina, from Gina and the Champions, has been named Cork Person of the Month for June.

Born Mary Hurley, and raised at Friars Walk in Cork city, her journey to stardom began when her father, recognising her natural talent in school and church choirs, secretly replied to an advertisement in the Evening Echo looking for a female singer to join a new band. 

At just 19 years old, and with the encouragement of her sister, Gina auditioned in Whitegate and soon after Gina, Dale Haze and the Champions were formed.

The band, with Ballycotton roots, was a national favourite in the ‘70s and ‘80s, featuring regularly on The Late Late Show and gaining a string of hits including The Greatest Lover, Give Me Back My Love, and Dreams are Good Friends.

Voice of the band

She was the voice of the pop band from 1973 to 1992, and has been recognised for her 50-year career in the Irish music industry

Despite the passing in 2020 of her long-time co-vocalist Jerdi Mackey, better known as Dale Haze, Gina has continued to perform and entertain to this day as part of Gina & The Champions.

Gina said it is “a true honour to be recognised by my fellow Corkonians as Cork Person of the Month and to join the esteemed list of past and future recipients”.

“I accept this award also on behalf of the band, my husband Pat Walsh, Mossey Walsh, Eddie Fitzgerald, Tony Hornibrook and, of course, the late Jerdi Mackey," she said.

Awards organiser Manus O’Callaghan said Gina is “a true legend of the Irish showband scene and a quintessential part of Cork culture”. 

"For five decades, she, along with the fantastic Champions, has brought joy to people up and down the country while remaining deeply connected to her Cork roots. She embodies the spirit of artistry and authenticity that we love in Cork.

"It is a privilege to honour her immense contribution to Cork’s musical heritage with this award.”

Her name now goes forward alongside the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year in January.