For 27 years, Michael McDonnell of Princeville has opened up his home for an annual gala festive of food, music, dancing, and honoring of special friends and guests, all for the wearin’ o’ the green. His annual celebration of St.
For 27 years, Michael McDonnell of Princeville has opened up his home for an annual gala festive of food, music, dancing, and honoring of special friends and guests, all for the wearin’ o’ the green.
His annual celebration of St. Patrick’s Day is happening again, set for this Sunday, March 17.
Guests will be greeted with lifelike Leprechauns and a huge “pot of gold” as they enter the home.
Irish music floats across the rooms as guests make their way to the dance floor, which doubles as the dining area and the host’s patio.
The house, shades, deserts, drinks and salads are all green, as is the chosen attire of all the guests.
The menu includes, naturally, traditional corned beef and cabbage with potatoes, and other Irish specialties.
Pianist and singer Rose Kurita has been part of the celebration for seven years, and Ming Largusa, who sings and plays electric bass guitar, has been a party fixture for three years.
They entertain guests and the host with songs like “Danny Boy,” “When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” “Molly Magee,” and many others.
Kilauea residents George and Donna Schulze have been at every single celebration.
St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration brought to the Mainland, and eventually Hawai’i, by Irish immigrants centuries ago.
Born in Scotland, the St. Patrick for which the day is named was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave.
Although he escaped, he later returned to become the bishop of Ireland, and is credited with establishing the Catholic church there.
