Gina and Champions for Longford

Gina and The Champions will make a welcome return to Longford when they play a concert in The Backstage Theatre on Friday 8 November. The Cork band enjoyed massive popularity in the midlands and west of Ireland during the mid- to late 70s and early 80s.

Among their most popular songs from that era were The Greatest Lover, Give Me Back My Love, Minnie Minnie Minnie, Dreams are Good Friends and Drunken Sailor. Gina was voted Ireland’s Number 1 Pop Singer in 1978 with The Champions picking up the top band accolade. The Champions were co-fronted by Dale Haze from Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford. Dale only makes the occasional rare appearance with the band in recent years.

“It is lovely to be going back to Longford after all the years,” says Gina. “We had many friends in that part of the country back when the dancing scene was so big. We played to packed venues such as The Longford Arms, The Sunset Club, The Granada Ballroom in Granard and many more. We hope to bring back many memories with our show in Longford town.”

Gina and The Champions play their Hits and Memories concert in the Backstage Theatre on the 8 November. Tickets can be booked online at backstage.ie and further details are available by calling 043-334 7888.

Emma happy with her Rambling Man

Young and country, that’s Emma Donohue from Killoran in south Galway. The 21-year-old has just released her version of Rambling Man, a song pioneered by Philomena Begley back the years.

Emma is thrilled with the response she is getting to the release. The Donohue family are steeped in the farming tradition and Emma is very much at home singing these traditional country songs that reflect real everyday life. This song was produced by Enda Dempsey and Emma is now working on her debut album.

Call up Hugo

BBC Radio Ulster presenter Hugo Duncan has just issued a new double single featuring Call Me Up and Two Tiny Feet.

Hugo came across Call Me Up while listening to songs from the Marty Robbins collection. “I heard the track recently and could not believe it had never been covered here in Ireland,” said Hugo.

Two Tiny Feet is a new song composed by Gerard Dornan and Johnny Kielty.

Hugo presents Country Afternoon on Radio Ulster Monday to Friday from 1.30pm to 3pm.