PICTURES: Laois GAA club and community centre's 'Oscar' style movie premiere ahead

Killenard locals have been getting a taste of Hollywood for a huge community fundraiser that is soon to be shown on the big screen in a black tie screening.

K26 is a joint fundraising initiative between Killenard Community Centre and O’Dempsey’s GFC GAA club, two organisations at the heart of the local community, which have come together to raise funds for the future development of their facilities.

For Killenard Community Centre, the funds will contribute towards the refurbishment of its existing facilities, while O’Dempsey’s is working towards the development of a community walking track and community gym at the Old Pound.

What started with an idea and an information evening in March has grown into one of the most ambitious community fundraising projects undertaken in the area.

Following the initial information evening in March, excitement began to build towards the grand cast reveal in April.

More than 100 people from Killenard, Portarlington and the surrounding areas put themselves forward at the casting with Kevin Rowe Events, with the final cast eventually growing to more than 90 actors, supported by over 50 extras of all ages.

Seven iconic films and television series were selected: Calendar Girls, The Usual Suspects, The Hangover, Father Ted, Derry Girls, Into The West and Forrest Gump.

The casts were kept strictly under wraps until the Launch Night, when MC Fiona from Kevin Rowe Events finally revealed the roles to an audience full of excitement and nerves.

Weeks of rehearsals followed, with all the volunteer actors learning lines, perfecting accents, sourcing costumes and props and getting to know fellow cast members.

Síle Bannon is the communications officer for O’Dempseys.

“For many involved, it was their first experience of anything like this. That has been one of the great successes of K26, bringing together people who may never otherwise have crossed paths.

“We have new residents, long-standing families, former club members, parents whose children have moved on from playing with the club, community centre supporters and people simply looking for something different to do.

“The involvement of so many people across our community has been brilliant to see, and once again the power of volunteerism has been a common thread, and community spirit has shone through,” she said.

Filming took place over two weekends in June. The productions brought a little bit of Hollywood to the local area. Locations generously made available included Scoil Naomh Eoin, The Heritage Hotel, Derryounce, The Fisherman’s, Railway Bar, Gala Killenard, local family homes/land, as well as the Killenard Community Centre and O’Dempsey’s grounds.

One of the most apt locations was for Into The West, with scenes filmed outside the Savoy Cinema in Portarlington, the original location in the 1992 hit Irish film.

More than €100,000 has been raised to date, through an incredible combination of sponsorship, donations, raffles, competitions and community fundraising events.

The campaign has included a great variety of mini fundraisers by each cast, including a Hyrox event, Sip & Paint evening, a Quiz, Road to Croker All Ireland Preview Night, music event at the Fisherman’s Inn, and raffles to win a Private Dining Experience with Erica Drum and All-Ireland Tickets.

Still to come are a Run and Family Funday, Music Bingo at the Railway, and a Physio Day planned at Oxley’s Injury Clinic.

Síle thanks everyone for their support.

“The success of K26 would simply not have been possible without the extraordinary level of support received from the community from businesses and families to people living further afield with connections to Killenard and O’Dempsey’s,” she said.

The K26 committee also thank the volunteers who organised events, supporting filming and kept the entire campaign moving.

“Of course, none of it would have happened without the cast themselves, 90 locals who committed their time, learned their lines, embraced their characters and threw themselves into the experience, along with the 50 plus extras who helped bring the productions to life.”

The fruits of their work will be seen at the K26 Film Awards Night, on Sunday, October 25, at The Heritage Hotel, Killenard. Tickets €50 on sale now.

The finished productions will be shown on the big screen, with more than 500 people expected to attend the ticketed event with Oscar style awards on the night for different categories.

For information on K26, or find out how you can still get involved, email [email protected] or contact Thomas ‘Clue’ Finlay on 085 878 7780.