The 2026 Hooley Raises a Record Amount of Money for Christ House

The Basilica parish celebrated all things Irish on Sunday, March 1, in anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day coming up. Needless to say, the color green was highly prevalent among the more than 400 people who showed up to listen to Irish music, eat Irish food, drink and enjoy Irish dancing. The event was organized by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) in Alexandria; it raised a record amount of money — $20,000 — for Christ House, a local Catholic charity.

The afternoon included performances by the Boyle School of Irish Dance and the O’Neill James School of Irish Dance. Other performers included RJ Kenna, who played bagpipes for the procession; the band, Celtic Underground; and a piper representing the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums, who closed the program. Geraldine Byrne Nason, the Irish Ambassador to the United States, was also present. The afternoon was catered by Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub and featured traditional Irish fare, including shepherd’s pie, fish, and corned beef.

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 $20,000 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