St. Paddy's Day Comes Early to HBS

The St. Paddy’s Day Party was a great lead in to the beginning of Spring break! It seemed an odd match at first-one could see the Wine and Cuisine Society and the European Club supporting a wine tasting or a fancy dinner party. But a St. Patrick’s Day party? Some might say it would take the luck of the Irish to pull this one off and thanks to Laura Dillon’s (OF) organization and management skills, we pulled off a great St Paddy’s Day party again this year. By 11 PM, the house was packed, the Guinness was flowing, and Joshua Tree, Boston’s premier U2 cover band, was bringing down the house with its rendition of Vertigo.

In a tradition begun last year by some of the Irish HBSers looking to share their festive spirit with their classmates, the now annual St. Patrick’s Day party has become one of the most anticipated social events of the year. As Gerardo Mendez points out, “I had such a fabulous time last year. It’s a great party because it’s something different-I don’t have to get dressed up or pay a big cover. I just throw on my jeans and a t-shirt and pretend to be Irish for a night.” Held at the Harp, a downtown Irish pub that organizer Laura Dillon selected, this year’s party lived up to the hype. Early ticket sales boomed, with over 100 sold on the first day alone, and the party completely sold out one day prior to the event. As 500 students decked out in festive green packed themselves into the Harp, they donned shamrock-splattered hats and “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” stickers to show their pride, whether they were Irish or just along for the ride.

The Joshua Tree, one of the US’s leading U2 tribute bands and the band headlining the event, brought out the best in the crowd. With Mike Golarz and Craig Rawding belting out the vocals and Ivo Matos, Joe Wilson, and John Perkins backing them up, the band played hit after hit, from early favorites such as “I Will Follow” through classics “One” and “New Year’s Day” all the way up to more recent works such as “City of Blinding Lights.” And the crowd loved it, belting out the tunes along with the band and dancing through set after set.

We also wanted to let you know that due to the great turnout, we raised over $2,000, which will all be donated to the Irish Hospice Foundation-www.hospice-foundation.ie/. The Irish Hospice Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the hospice philosophy and supports the development of hospice care. Their vision is that no one should have to face death or bereavement without appropriate care and support.

We hope that you all had a great night and that you enjoyed and celebrated the real St Paddy’s Day (on Saturday, March 17) while you were enjoying Spring break.