It had all the glitz and glam and the nearest most of us will ever get to a real Oscars, as Waterford stars came out in force to showcase their talents. The red carpet was rolled out in pure Hollywood style for a take on the Oscars, except with one big difference, all the 38 actors are Solas supporters from Waterford and the surrounding area, most with no previous acting experience!

Participants had been busy in training for 6 weeks before films were recorded and then it was time for the glitz and glam of the Oscars as the stars, their family and friends arrived at the premiere screening of some of Hollywood’s best loved movies, The Hangover, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Calendar Girls, Ghost, Sister Act, The Field and Rocky.

The winners were, Best Film – The Hangover, Best Actor – Tony Coffee, Best Actress – Michelle Glendon, Best Supporting Actor – Des O’Keeffe and Best Supporting Actress – Ali Pierce.

Deirdre Jacques, Chairperson of the Solas Cancer Support Centre thanked all the actors, volunteers, sponsors and acknowledged the contribution that this event will make to the free support services provided to those affected by cancer. Last year, over 650 clients availed of the services provided by the Solas Cancer Support Centre,

Solas were delighted to have the support of headline event sponsor, The Book Centre and are so thankful to director Andrew Holden and videographer Colin Shanahan for helping to transform Solas supporters into Oscar winning stars.

Finally, a special word of thanks to Solas Volunteers, judges Jenny Clooney, Orla Rapple and Tony Corcoran. MC Mary O’ Neill and Beat, who all helped to make this very special event such a huge success.