A major fundraising initiative, ‘A Night of the Oskars, hosted by Buccaneers rugby club will take centre stage in the Radisson Blu Hotel this Saturday night, March 30, at 8pm.
The driving force for the ‘Oskars’, Ronan Bushell, together with another former club president Gerry McInerney, outlined how the event will proceed on the night as large numbers are expected to descend upon the hotel for an evening of eagerly anticipated local entertainment.
“Seven mini movies have been filmed and will premiere during the gala night. Rehearsals commenced on February 12 ahead of filming which took place in early to mid March. A great number of members, and indeed others not involved in the club, have united in support of this fundraising event. Many had no previous acting experience but enjoyed the challenges created by the production of their respective mini movies,” Ronan remarked.
Three of the seven movies have Irish angles. ‘The Field’ features Jim Donnellan as ‘The Bull’ and Eoin Reid as ‘The Yank’. ‘The Snapper’ and ‘Fr. Ted’ have motley casts including Nigel Lyster, Gilbert Barrington, Martin Staunton and Deirdre Bushell, who turned up on the night in full ‘Mrs. Doyle’ regalia including china teapot and accoutrements! Who plays ‘bleedin’ Mr. Burgess’ in Roddy Doyle’s ‘The Snapper’ was not revealed!
Buccaneers womens’ team including Aileen Hayes and Susan Earner are tackling ‘Sister Act’ with Diarmuid Sloane somehow being blessed among nuns! Buccs senior squad will provide most of the cast of ‘The Blues Brothers’ where we are likely to witness Ruairi Byrne, Rory Grenham and teammates make moves not yet seen from them on the playing fields! ‘Forrest Gump’ will feature many involved in youth rugby.
The line up of movies is completed by ‘Fatal Attraction’, with cast from Athlone Little Theatre featuring in uncharted territory for that august group that includes Shay Ellis and Billy Nott. Incidentally, the theatre are donating the proceeds of the opening night of their next play ‘Living Quarters’ to the OsKaRs. Overall, there is a good spread from the various sectors in the club and beyond participating.
Tickets, €25 each, are available at the hotel, The Bounty or from Geraldine at 0861732711.
