Athlone GAA Movie Awards event postponed

Athlone GAA has decided to postpone the club's Movie Awards fundraiser until early next year.

The event was due to take place on Saturday, November 14 in the Sheraton Athlone Hotel, but has now been rescheduled for Saturday, February 27, 2027.

Athlone GAA said it made the decision "following careful consideration".

Amby Fogarty, a much cherished figure in Athlone GAA circles, passed away suddenly last week, causing a deep sense of sadness and loss in the club. It appears that this was a significant factor in the decision to postpone the event.

Organisers of the event plan to include a video tribute to Amby on the rescheduled date.

"The past week has been a difficult one for our club, and combined with the scale of the event and the preparations involved, we feel that some additional time will allow us to build on the brilliant work already undertaken and deliver the celebration that everyone deserves," said Athlone GAA.

"This is a major fundraising initiative for our new astro turf development and we want to ensure we maximise its potential, while making it a fantastic night for our casts, sponsors and supporters.

"We sincerely appreciate everyone’s understanding and continued support. We look forward to a brilliant night in February,” the club added.

The event involves six movie casts, a host of awards and a night of glitz and glamour to raise vital funds for Athlone GAA facilities.

Promising a fantastic night of entertainment, laughter and friendly competition, the event will see six movie casts made up of Athlone GAA club members go head-to-head for the coveted title of Best Movie, alongside a host of other awards, including Best Actor and Best Actress.

From comedy classics to iconic musical and historical films, each team has brought its own unique twist to the big screen, with plenty of surprises expected along the way.

The six movie productions are Father Ted, Sister Act, Forrest Gump, The Hangover, Braveheart and The Commitments. Behind the scenes, producers and directors Mandy Ganly and Karen Cunningham (Father Ted), Lorna Mulvihill and Niamh Byrne (Sister Act), Niamh McManus and Amanda Moran (Forrest Gump), Noel Mulligan (The Hangover), Pat Fleming (Braveheart) and John McGlynn (The Commitments) have been working with their casts to bring these much-loved films to life.

McGlynn, well known to audiences at Athlone’s Dean Crowe theatre, is the executive producer of the night.

Audiences can look forward to Athlone GAA's very own collection of holy types and lingerie enthusiasts in Father Ted; glamorous members and friends in Sister Act; an assortment of movie-star wannabes, young and old, in Forrest Gump; star footballers embracing the hangover experience in The Hangover; a cast with a fondness for medieval times in Braveheart; and a group of singing, swearing Dubs in The Commitments.

With six very different films competing for awards, the stage is set for an entertaining evening next February, as club members swap their sporting gear for costumes, characters and a little Hollywood magic.

However, the evening is about much more than the awards. Athlone GAA is a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers, and all funds raised will go directly back into local community sport at Páirc Chiaráin. The proceeds will help improve sporting facilities for children in Athlone, supporting the club's ongoing commitment to providing a positive sporting environment for future generations.

Guests are encouraged to embrace the occasion, with black tie preferred, formal attire or fancy dress with a movie theme. It is an opportunity to dress to impress, enjoy a memorable night out and support a great local cause. There will be a prize on the night for best fancy dress.

Admission tickets and support tickets are available through the Dean Crowe Theatre website (or through Athlone GAA committee members). Those unable to attend in person can still show their support by purchasing a support ticket. The link to purchase tickets can be seen on the club's social media pages.

Athlone GAA invites the local community, club supporters, friends and families to come together for a spectacular night celebrating local talent, teamwork and community spirit - all in support of better sporting facilities for the children of Athlone.