Excited residents of Springfield, Tallaght, formed a winding queue outside the doors of the UCI cinema in the Square Shopping Centre from 8am yesterday. They were waiting to see the Tallaght premiere of The SimpsonsMovie, a feature-length film, documenting the antics of the animated residents of the world's most famous Springfield.
Charlie O'Connor TD organised the event with the help of The Gerry Ryan Show, UCI and 20th Century Fox. He was inspired by the Fox Movie Studio's competition to find the real US home town of the fictitious family from the popular cartoon.
The winning town in Vermont hosted the world premiere of the much-anticipated film last week.
"We're delighted at the turn-out this morning. I set out to do something positive for Springfield, for Tallaght and indeed to ensure that the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght would benefit from the event. We're having a collection this morning and 20th Century Fox have also given us €1, 000 for the hospital," Mr O'Connor said. Tickets were distributed by The Gerry Ryan Show. People from all over Tallaght applied for seats at yesterday morning's free screening, but priority was given to residents of Springfield.
The cinema doors finally opened at 9.30am. Crowds of Tallaght residents streamed into the cinema along the Simpson's yellow carpet and were greeted by larger-than-life models of the Simpsons, Evelyn O'Rourke from The Gerry Ryan Show and a host of volunteers from the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, who were fundraising at the event.
"There's been an unbelievable demand for tickets. After this first screening, there'll be 36 hours of The Simpsons Movie showing back-to-back," Robert Finn of UCI Ireland said. The smell of buttered popcorn and an atmosphere of intense excitement pervaded the cinema foyer as children posed for photographs with Homer and Marge and rehearsed their cheers for the live broadcast.
The film received a lively reaction from adults and children alike and the enthusiastic audience emerged to be greeted by music from The Phoenix Youth Band from Springfield, Tallaght.
"We're delighted to be here" said Mark Govern, head of the band.
"The event is great for the people of Springfield."