Red carpet rolled out in Moynalty for the Oskars

The community of Moynalty will be showcasing their acting skills over the coming weeks, as they prepare for the Moynalty Parish ‘Oskars’ on 27th April in the Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells.

This colourful event is a fundraiser for the renovation of the Church of the Assumption in Moynalty and will involve over 70 volunteer actors from the local community.

A large crowd gathered in McCormack’s pub recently for the launch of the Oskars, where the movies and cast roles were unveiled. The seven chosen movies are: The Snapper, Misery, Calendar Girls, Elvis, Sister Act, Fr Ted and The Hangover.

“The diversity of the cast members is truly special, characters we have known all our lives, mixed with a strong blend of youth and in-between. Already imaginations are visualising how all these characters will come together and everyone is very excited,” says Joe McKenna, secretary of the Church renovation Committee.

“The buzz on the night was palpable, and spirits were high. It was reminiscent of pre-Covid times when neighbours would come out and socialise freely and was a truly special occasion where we all celebrated together.

“There is no time to waste however, rehearsals commence this Wednesday night in the local primary school, courtesy of Fr Joe McEvoy and principal, Denise Ward.

“The cast of each of the seven movies will be striving to win the prize of best movie and each of the teams will be putting on individual fundraising events or activities.

“We are asking the public to support the fundraising efforts and make this a wonderful success. This will all be great fun and a positive a positive community building activity, inside and outside the parish,” says Joe.

The main sponsor for the Oskars is Larry O’Brien’s SuperValu in Kells. Larry’s family have strong links to Moynalty over the generations supporting the parish in many ways and the committee is very grateful for the support.

There are also opportunities for sponsorship of individual movies with sponsors publicised on all social media, on the night on presentation screens and also in the programme for the night.

The event is being held to raise funds for the renovation of the local church which has fallen into disrepair over the years.

“It requires substantial works to rectifying the causes of the mould and greyness that covers the walls and ceiling. There are many severe leaks and water ingress into the building, as well as an absence of any insulation. There is no protection from the outside elements at the doors, where internal porches will be added, and the lighting, electrical and sound systems will be upgraded,” Joe explains.

“The altar area will be restored as it was historically, and a simple altar will be added closer to the congregation.

“A family room and accessible internal washroom facilities will be added. Roof timbers will be treated and wooden doors and windows replaced. The side and rear stained-glass windows are being surveyed and significant work will be required there in time also.”

Joe says the great news is that the heating system has already been replaced and it is making a huge difference already.

“The response from Moynalty parish and the neighbouring parishes has been incredible. Donations are flowing in, but with the costs expected to be in the region of €600,000, we need a major fundraising event like the 'Oskars.”