The 2024 Hooley Raises a Record Amount of Money for Charity and Provides a Fantastic Evening of Fun

The Basilica community came together on a rainy Saturday afternoon to celebrate the 2024 Saint Patrick Irish Hooley in the packed Basilica School gym. More than 400 people, many dressed in green, showed up to listen to Irish music, food, drinks, dancing and a silent auction and raffle. Organized by the Frank Herbert-Pat Cady Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) in Alexandria, the event raised a record amount of money — $11,000 — for a local charity.

Father Edward Hathaway greeted the sold-out crowd with a prayer, the Lorica, by Saint Patrick. The afternoon featured performances by local Irish musician, Pat Garvey; the Boyle School of Irish Dance; the O’Neill James School of Irish Dance; singer Tom McCuin and the Rose of Tralee, Siobhán Spiak. The afternoon was catered by Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub and featured traditional Irish fare, including shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage.

The event was a fundraiser for Christ House, a program of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Arlington, which provides food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless and clothing to those in need. A $11,000 check — the most ever raised by the AOH for the Hooley — was presented to Sister Aniliza Juan, Christ House’s volunteer coordinator, on behalf of the Basilica of Saint Mary and AOH. Thank you to all who participated in a great afternoon of fun!