Is it possible to press Apple Remote buttons and then AppleScript does something?
A quick Google search brought up this:
10 Ways to get the most out of your apple remote
I have not used it so I cannot comment on how good it works.
Here is an Obj-C wrapper:
Remote Control Wrapper
Another application is: Mira
If you try it out post back and let us know.
Cheers,
Craig
You could also check out EventScripts that lets you do this, as well as monitor loads of other events.