Members of the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums perform at the Irish Hooley March 9 at the Basilica School of St. Mary gymnasium.
A crowd of more than 400, many clad in green attire, attended the March 9 Saint Patrick’s Day Irish Hooley at the Basilica School of St. Mary gymnasium to celebrate all things Irish and raise $13,000 for local charity Christ House.
Organized by the Alexandria Ancient Order of Hibernians, the event was a fundraiser for Christ House, a program of diocesan Catholic Charities located on West Street that provides food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless and clothing to those in need. A $13,000 check was presented to Sister Aniliza Juan, Christ House’s volunteer coordinator, on behalf of the Basilica and the Hibernians.
“What a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s month,” said Ken Wolfe, president of the Herbert-Cady Division of the Alexandria Ancient Order of Hibernians. “We raised $13,000 for Catholic Charities Christ House and had a great time doing it.”
The afternoon featured performances by local Irish musician Pat Garvey, the Boyle School of Irish Dance, the O’Neill James School of Irish Dance, the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums, Tom McCuin and the DC Rose.
Tom Mooney and Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub provided the catering which featured traditional Irish fare, including shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and corned beef and cabbage.
Very Rev. Edward Hathaway welcomed the crowd with a prayer and was on hand for the festivities. Chris Robertson served as Hooley chair.
“The Alexandria annual St. Patrick’s Hooley at the Basilica School of St. Mary was a great success,” Wolfe said. “We are so grateful to everyone who helped pull this off, especially Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub for donating the food and drink. We couldn’t do it without you.”
More than 400 attendees enjoy the Irish Hooley March 9 at the Basilica School of St. Mary gymnasium.