Champagne Cork was founded by Clare Hunt in 1996, and is now under the Musical Direction of Ursula Mulvihill. Ursula and Clare became professionally acquainted in 1991 through their respective roles as Home–School–Community Liaison Co‑ordinators.  A close professional partnership quickly blossomed into a lifelong friendship. 

Clare’s musical career is marked by many notable achievements. She was the founder and director of two musical societies: one in Mountrath, Co. Laois, and the Carnew Musical Society in Co. Wicklow. In recognition of her contribution, she was later honoured as guest of honour at Carnew Musical Society’s 21st musical production. The society is affiliated with AIMS (the Association of Irish Musical Societies). Coincidentally, Clare first encountered close harmony and barbershop singing when she and her ladies’ chorus competed at the AIMS Choral Festival in New Ross, Co. Wexford, many years ago.

Clare’s discovery of barbershop singing at the AIMS Festival — sparked by hearing the quartet Black Lace —  ultimately led to the formation of Champagne Cork.. She invited Ursula to join the chorus, and Ursula made her competitive debut with the group at Feis Maitíú in Cork. A subsequent appearance at the Annual IABS Convention in Limerick cemented her passion for barbershop singing.

Remarkably, one of the original members, Liz Nolan, remains part of the chorus to this day.

Clare dedicated immense time, energy, and passion to the development of Champagne Cork. Following Clare’s retirement in 2007, the chorus continues to flourish and sing in harmony under the dynamic direction of Ursula Mulvihill.  Under her leadership, the chorus has enjoyed continued success, achieving numerous medal‑winning performances.