Streete Parish Park Oskars

'A Night at the OsKaRs' fundraiser

The glamour of Hollywood will light up the parish of Streete on Saturday next, October 19, as the cast of seven locally made movies reach for the stars. The local version of the famous night brings together more than 80 people from the parishes of Streete and district who signed up to direct or act in one of the films.

The Streete Parish Park committee enlisted the expertise of Kevin Rowe Events, experienced in working with clubs and communities on fundraising events, and responsible for choosing the films and casting.

The fundraiser is to support the development of the playing fields and install an astro-turf pitch at Streete community centre.

Committee chairman Kevin Brady said: “We are passionate about supporting our community and the need to improve our facilities, and in support of that, this spectacular event promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment and camaraderie.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate local talent, and support the work of Streete Parish Park.”

Annemarie Durkin, director of the movie ‘Calendar Girls’ said; “Taking part in our own version has been a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Although we are a group of local women who didn’t know each other well beforehand, we had a common goal: to raise funds for our community astro-pitch.

“None of us had acted or done anything like this before, so stepping into the spotlight was out of our comfort zones. We embraced the challenge, and the experience turned out to be full of laughter and friendship, and just great craic!

“Just like in the original film, we created our own calendar, ‘Streete Calendar Girls’, and to our amazement, it’s selling incredibly well!

“This fundraiser brought us closer as a group and connected us with our community in ways we never imagined. It’s been a fantastic journey, and we hope the success of our calendar continues, just like the story that inspired it.”

Linda O’Connor, leader of team making The Field, said getting to know people in the parish she hadn’t met before was an experience she will cherish. “So many people nowadays move in to communities close the door and don’t make much contact with their neighbours – it’s just a fact of modern life.

“Taking part in the filming for this fundraiser has brought people together and built friendships, and we all had great fun and laughter along the way.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how the final films look on the night.”

The Snapper team leader agreed that “people are bursting with excitement waiting to find out what films will win”. Cory Brady said: “Being part of a film project has been a great experience. Despite starting with a team of people I barely knew, we quickly transformed into a tight-knit group united by a shared goal and a commitment to a meaningful cause.

“Taking on a significant role in the film, Sharon in the Snapper, definitely challenged me in ways I never expected, and collaborating with talented individuals, each with unique strengths, fostered an environment of creativity and support.”

Bridge Campbell, director of the Full Monty team, said: “Over the weeks, we have had so much fun. Our cast of easy-going men had never taken off their shirts in public – never mind their whole kit! Getting lads dancing in harmony for the big reveal was some crack!

“The ladies in the cast, Claire Molloy, Bernadine Farrelly and myself, got it difficult to stop laughing some nights, it was just so much fun.

Joan Devine, event coordinator, said the atmosphere over the past four months and throughout the filming was brilliant. “I am grateful to everyone who took part offered their pubs, houses, cars, and set props – a big and special thank-you. Everyone has been amazing.”

Concluding, Kevin Brady agreed it had been an incredible journey. “We would like to wish the cast and crew every success on the night and regardless of who picks up the best award, we are all winners.”

• The OsKaRs awards event is at the Longford Arms Hotel on Saturday, October 19; doors 6.30pm, starts 7.30pm. Tickets (€30) are available from Michael 087 9901890, Joan 0860755175, Kevin 087 1375222, Áine 085 7245836, Mel 086 6088135, or any cast member.