Photos: Irish Hooley in Old Town Alexandria’s Basilica of St. Mary’s Raises $13,000
Funds raised to support Christ House, a Catholic Charities program serving the local community
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines hooley as “an Irish party, usually with music.” And the Basilica of Saint Mary was alive with music, dancing, and Irish cheer on Sunday afternoon, March 9, as parishioners and guests gathered to celebrate Irish heritage at the 2025 Saint Patrick Irish Hooley. Held at the Basilica School gym, the sold-out event drew a crowd of approximately 400 attendees, all donning green to enjoy traditional Irish music, food, drinks, and cultural performances — all while raising funds for a good cause.
The annual Hooley was organized by the Frank Herbert-Pat Cady Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) in Alexandria. This year, the festive celebration raised a record-breaking $13,000 for Christ House, a Catholic Charities program in the Diocese of Arlington that serves the local community by providing food, shelter, and clothing to those in need.
Father Edward Hathaway, Rector of the Basilica, opened the afternoon with a prayer featured on Saint Patrick prayer cards placed at each table. The lively program included performances by local Irish musician Pat Garvey, the Boyle School of Irish Dance, the O’Neill James School of Irish Dance, and vocalist Tom McCuin. A special appearance was made by the Rose of Tralee, Siobhán Spiak, adding to the afternoon’s festive spirit.
A particularly moving moment came when Mary Ellen O’Leary, the Basilica’s stewardship and annual fund officer, recited the “Our Father” in Gaelic alongside her great-uncle, Father John McLaughlin, a retired priest visiting from Roxbury, Massachusetts.
The event concluded with a rousing performance by the Alexandria Pipes and Drums. Guests also enjoyed a silent auction, raffle, and a hearty Irish meal catered by Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub, featuring favorites like shepherd’s pie, fish, and corned beef.
The highlight of the day was the presentation of a $13,000 check — the highest ever raised by the AOH for the event — to Sister Aniliza Juan, volunteer coordinator at Christ House. The donation reflects the community’s generous spirit and commitment to helping those in need.
St. Patrick’s Hooley Raises Funds for Christ House in Alexandria
