Laois locals turned up in droves to mark the launch of Mountmellick United FC's 'Mountmellick goes to Hollywood' fundraiser.

For more pictures from Denis Byrne click NEXT or ARROW. More on the story below.

On Friday February 27, almost 80 people crowded into Mountmellick's Arts Centre to show their support for this fundraiser.

Those who are taking part will be divided into groups, where they will shoot and star in a film and compete with other teams to raise the highest amount of donations.

"The aim of this fundraiser is for the development of Smith's field and Conor Davis Park," Mountmellick United FC Chairperson Tom Christle told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"We need a large fundraiser and haven't had one of this scale in over ten years. We have had multiple smaller ones over the years to keep the club going, but we need a large one to generate a starter amount for the works we hope to carry out," Mr Christle explained.

"I have attended a few of the different shows put on by local towns and clubs to research for a fundraising idea, and I thought that Mountmellick goes to Hollywood would be a great way to get the whole community involved.

"It is open to everyone, not just people associated with the club, and it will be a good bit of craic," he said.

Last year planning permission was granted for the redevelopment of Smith’s Field into a multi-purpose community sports ground. This marked a significant step forward for the  club after years of dedication and planning by its committee.

READ NEXT: Laois couple 'blown away' as quirky business venture goes viral

The approved development includes a full-sized Astro-turf playing pitch, walking tracks, pathways, associated groundworks, and floodlighting.

The project will not only improve sporting facilities but also provide a crucial link between two sides of the town, making it easier for residents to navigate between The Harbour and the Tullamore Road.

The club has also recently submitted a planning application to replace an existing grass pitch with a new astro turf playing surface, new perimeter fencing to the pitch, new pitch lighting, including six 12 metre high posts and all associated site works at Conor Davis Park. 

Organisers were delighted to see over 78 people attend the Mountmellick goes to Hollywood launch night and express their interest in taking part.

"We were told that a really strong show should have 40 to 50 people, we had almost 80 at the launch and at least 10 more who have contacted us to be involved," the chairperson highlighted.

"It's imperative for us to get this initiative up and going, we want to get this over the line for the kids. We have 21 teams now and we have nowhere substantial for winter training. We see matches being called off all the time due to weather. The redevelopment of Smith's field and Conor Davis is for the future of the club and the kids," he explained.

The club will apply for state funding and LEADER funding, but need to have a deposit to show for these works.

"We have had a great crowd of different people from around the community, we want Mountmellick goes to Hollywood to involve everyone. We want locals watching the films to see the people they see around town every day.

"We have locals businessmen like Frankie Horan, Shane Crystal from Hanlon's, Tony Monaghan our former chair, and milk man Sean Connolly involved. We want people to get involved across the demographic, it will add to the hype and the craic seeing it on the big screen," Mr Christle said.

The club wish to ask Mountmellick locals to keep an eye out for various fundraisers their film groups may be holding over the next few months.

"There will be multiple fundraisers for this around town until October 16, the community have always helped Mountmellick United FC and we wouldn't be where we are today without them. We would kindly ask that they continue to support us in this, as they always have," the chairperson said.

"The entire community have helped us stay strong for almost 60 years in the community, and we can't stress enough how thankful we are- he have reached 350-400 members in the club now, brought to this point by the community," he said.

The club wish to redevelop the walking and running track in Smith's field, and to install lights so that the community can avail of this track during the winter months. 

BREAKING: Emergency services dealing with multi vehicle crash in Laois

"We are hoping to get the athletics club rejuvenated in the town, the school will also be able to use the walking track and it will be available for clubs from other parishes to use it too," Mr Christle finished.

For more updates on Mountmellick goes to Hollywood fundraiser, keep an eye on the Leinster Express / Laois Live website.