The Basilica of St. Mary Parish celebrated Irish heritage in the school gym and raised $13,000 for diocesan Catholic Charities’ House in Alexandria March 9.
Green was prevalent among the approximately 400 people who showed up for Irish music, food, drinks, dancing, silent auction, and raffle at the 2025 St. Patrick Irish Hooley. The Frank Herbert-Pat Cady Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Alexandria organized the event.
Father Edward C. Hathaway, rector, greeted the sold-out crowd with a prayer printed on prayer cards left on the tables. 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; the Rose of Tralee Siobhán Spiak; and the Alexandria Pipes and Drums.
Mary Ellen O’Leary, basilica stewardship and annual fund programs officer, and her great uncle, Father John McLaughlin, a retired priest from Roxbury, Mass., recited the “Our Father” in Gaelic.
Traditional Irish fare, including shepherd’s pie, fish, and corned beef, was catered by Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub.
