Rhode GAA Club launches big “Hollywood” fundraiser

RHODE GAA Club has launched a big fundraising venture. The “Rhode Goes To Hollywood” event takes place in the Tullamore Court Hotel next March and the acts that will take part that night were unveiled at a launch night in Killeen's Lounge, Rhode last Saturday evening.

It was a magical night of fun, laughter and great music by Irene Marshall and the event was excellently compèred by MC Sean Kelleghan.

On the night Chairperson of the Club James Murphy and Chairperson of Rhode Goes to Hollywood Committee John Kilmurray spoke and outlined the plans going forward as well as welcoming and thanking the huge crowd in Attendance.

Well done to members of the committee who wonderfully transformed Killeen’s into a magical wonderland of Hollywood. Thanks to Colm Killeen also and staff who provided finger food on the night. All taking part were delighted with their roles and look forward to getting going. Committee members will contact each group soon and all will be underway. They are still on the look out for more extras so if you want to take part don't hesitate to make contact with any member of the committee: you don't have to be from Rhode to take part. 

Proceeds from the event will go towards the development of the new dressing rooms and facilities on the land recently purchased by the Club. Draft plans of the development have been drawn up and, if approved by the Club Committee, an application for planning permission will be submitted to Offaly County Council in the coming weeks.

To help towards the construction costs etc, the Club has organised a "Rhode Goes to Hollywood" Gala Night in the Court Hotel, Tullamore on Saturday 14th March 2026.

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This will be the presenting of "Oscars" for films acted in by local ordinary members of Rhode community. A professional events company will film various scenes from films and TV series, such as Fr. Ted, Derry Girls, The Field, and starring all local people in either speaking parts or as extras in the background. There will be 7 short films, 6-7 minutes in length, produced and shown on The Gala Night in the Court Hotel. Rehearsals will take place in January 2026 and scenes will be filmed over the course of two days for two weekends in February. Fundraising will also be an element of the participation process for each film.