This was the first event of its kind in Munster and if last night’s incredible show is anything to go by, it certainly won’t be the last. Kilcum- min and Glenflesk GAA clubs banded together for this novel fundraiser and to call it a roaring success would be doing it a disservice.

It was a thoroughly entertaining evening filled with laughs, cheers, and, it has to be said, no little talent. It’s not yet known exactly how much mon- ey each club will walk away with but let’s put it this way: they’ll have a job counting it.

A sell-out crowd packed into the INEC to watch seven short films produced by and starring a number of brave actors from the rival parishes and the entire production, from the event itself to the short films on show, was immaculate from start to finish. There were star performances at every turn and it was clear from an early stage that the judging panel of Donal Courtney, Maeve McGrath and Barry Keoghan would have a serious job on their hands in choosing the cream of the crop, as would the audience who had a major say in selecting the destination of the Best Movie award.

In the end, the big winner of the night was The Field. Derry Healy’s version of the John B. Keane classic really hit the nail on the head, scooping the Oskar for Best Movie in what was declared a unani- mous decision. Derry Healy also picked up the Best Actor award for his cracking portrayal of the Bull McCabe, while co-star Kevin O’Riordan, who was undoubtedly the star of the night, deservedly won Best Supporting Actor for his hilarious version of Bird O’Donnell.

The Best Actress award went to Rosie Healy for her powerful performance as Colonel Jessup in A Few Good Women and Trish O’Callaghan was named Best Supporting Actress for her role in Forrest Gump. Donal Dwyer, who was also in contention for the Best Actor nod for his impressive portray- al of the Big Fella, picked up the Best Producer award for his work on memorable political drama Michael Collins. Best Costumes went to A Few Good Women and the biggest cheer of the night came when the talented Janet O’Donoghue was chosen as the Most Promising Young Actress. Earlier in the evening, judges Aidan O’Mahony and his wife Denise presented the Best Dressed Female and Male awards to Norma Leane and Pádraig Creedon respectively.

It really was a fantastic night. A good idea, perfect- ly executed. Well done to all involved, especially the organising committee who put in Trojan work to make sure the event went off without a hitch.

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