Red carpet treatment as Superbowl goes Hollywood
A wonderful night at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel as over €100,000 was raised for the Superbowl.
Two well-known sports clubs in Carlow came together to create one of the most unique, memorable and exciting fundraisers in recent memoy.
Naomh Bríd GAA and Vale Wanderers FC joined forced to host 'Superbowl Goes to Hollywood' - an initiative supporting the development of a new Community Hub at the Superbowl grounds in Leighlinbridge.
The building will provide dressing rooms, meeting rooms, and is expected to be "a modern, inclusive space" that will be "the beating heart of local sport and community life" in the parish "for generations to come."
With the help event organisers, LipSync, the committee began holding auditions in the area before going on to finalise the casts for seven different movies.
After just four nights of rehearsals, the casts went on to film each of their respective movies, with a huge amount of talent coming out the woodwork.
While Naomh Bríd and Vale Wanderers spearheaded the fundraiser, the final casting included over 100 people from all across Leighlinbridge, Old Leighlin and Ballinabranna.
The fundraiser culminated at the Superbowl Goes to Hollywood Awards Ceremony, as the organisers rolled out the red carpet for an exquisitely entertaining black-tie event.
Advertised as “a blockbuster night where familiar faces, young and old, take on roles as you’ve never seen them before,” the night attracted a sold-out crowd of 650 people to the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow, where all seven movies were screened.
Maria Drea Nolan of the Superbowl Community Hub Fundraising Committee headed up the fundraiser alongside Anna Jordan, Michelle Tunstead, Philomena Clarke, Fiona Clarke, Chris Collins, Tom Dunne and Alan Brennan.
“Our seven films were made up of a mixture of people both players and non-players of both clubs,” Ms Nolan said.
“It was a fantastic night that brought people from all over our community together with the aim to raise funds for this amazing facility. It was a night that will be remembered.”
The seven movies and the amount each raised were: The Young Offenders (€24,860), A Few Good Men (€18,825), Man About Dog (€18,645), The Field (€18,415), Sister Act (€16,430), Derry Girls (€16,235), and One Flew Over the Cookoo's Nest (€15,885).
The whole endeavour far exceeded the €100,000 target set out by the Committee when they undertook this fundraiser – an amazing accomplishment from all involved.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support and community spirit shown at our Superbowl Goes to Hollywood fundraiser," the Committee said.
"It was a night that will live long in the memory with some incredible performances on show. Who knew there was such local talent in the community? That sense of togetherness is exactly what the new Community Hub is all about.
"The room was filled with energy, celebration and community spirit — and the production matched the occasion perfectly.
"Our custom-designed award graphics and the giant LED complimented the occasion, bringing every winner’s moment to life in a way that simply can’t be replicated."
"A massive thank-you as well to the wider community across Carlow and beyond for turning out in such numbers, showing once again what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.
“And of course, congratulations to all the deserving award winners — your dedication, commitment and passion are what these nights are all about.
“Here’s to unforgettable visuals, meaningful fundraising, and communities that continue to shine."
A total of 14 awards were presented on the big night.
Due to popular demand, the Committee have announced that a family viewing of Superbowl Goes to Hollywood on Sunday, February 15th, in the Lord Bagenal Hotel, Leighlinbridge.
