She was honoured after incredible 50-year career

Pictured are front (L/R): Pat Walsh, Gina’s husband and band member; 90 year old showband icon Joe Mac of Dixies fame who made the presentation; Gina, Cork Person of the Month; Paul McCarthy. Rear (L/R): Manus O’Callaghan, Awards Organiser; Tina Quinn, AM O’Sullivan PR; Louise McNamara, The Metropole Hotel; Anthony O’Donovan(Image: Vitaliy Makhnano)

Cork music legend Gina has been named Cork Person of the Month for June – in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Irish music over the past 50 years.

The singer, best known as the frontwoman of Gina and the Champions, received the honour for her enduring impact on Ireland’s entertainment scene and her role in shaping generations of live music fans.

Born Mary Hurley and raised in Friars Walk on Cork’s southside, Gina’s career began thanks to an advert in the Evening Echo that her father secretly answered on her behalf. At just 19 years of age, she auditioned in Whitegate and soon became the voice of Gina, Dale Haze and the Champions.

The band, which has strong roots in Ballycotton, became one of Ireland’s biggest live acts during the showband era and beyond, performing to packed dance halls and appearing regularly on The Late Late Show. They enjoyed a string of hit songs including The Greatest Lover, Give Me Back My Love and Dreams Are Good Friends.

Despite the death of longtime bandmate Jerdi Mackey, better known as Dale Haze, in 2020, Gina has continued performing with Gina and the Champions. The group recently celebrated more than 50 years in music with sell-out concerts at Cork Opera House and is due to return to the stage with performances at the INEC in Killarney later this summer.

The Cork Person of the Month award was presented by fellow showband legend Joe Mac of The Dixies, who received the Supreme Cork Award earlier this year.

Accepting the award, Gina said she was “truly honoured” to receive the recognition from her fellow Cork folk.

“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 described Gina as “a true legend of the Irish showband scene” who has remained deeply connected to her Cork roots throughout her career.

Her latest accolade means she now goes forward for consideration as Cork Person of the Year, with the winner due to be announced at the annual gala awards in January 2027.