The Presentation of Sashes to our Parade Grand Marshal for the 2014 Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade, John O’Connell, and his Aides, will take place on Saturday, January 11, 2013 at 7pm at St. Rocco’s Parish Hall, located at 18 3rd Street, Glen Cove, NY, followed by a real Irish “hooley”.
We had the idea of having a “hooley” last year, and it was a wonderful time. It’s like an old fashioned Irish house party, very informal and a lot of fun. We are asking everybody to bring your own food, bring your own beverages, AND to bring your own entertainment!” (and also to bring $20 for the parade).
Music breaking out at a hooley!
The “Hooley” is a fun word for the very lively, informal type of house party Irish people enjoy. It’s a tradition that dates back in Ireland and Irish America to the days before recorded entertainment, before radio and TV. It still lingers among people who understand how much fun it can be for friends and family to entertain each other.
The party centers around the idea of the “party piece”. A lot of people come to the party prepared with at least one party piece of entertainment – a song or a tune on an instrument, a stepdance, a poem, a recitation, or a joke or story to tell – for the enjoyment of everyone at the party.
Anyone can take a turn, or join in with someone else, or just listen. It’s a great way to get to know your friends and neighbors.
A hooley might break out spontaneously anytime friends are gathered at a neighbor’s house, usually in the kitchen, where everyone can share the food and drink brought along by the guests.
