March 12–14, 2027 · Parade Day: Saturday, March 13, 2027
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🍀 The Hickey Family Gathering
Multiple generations of the Hickey & Brickley families — descendants of Cork, Ireland — unite in New Orleans to celebrate St. Patrick's Day together. The gathering runs Friday, March 12th through Monday, March 15th, 2027, with the big St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 13th.
March 12
FAMILY ARRIVES
March 13
🍀 PARADE DAY
March 14
FAREWELL DAY
📋 Your Adventure Plan
5-Day Family Itinerary
Friday March 12 — Monday March 15, 2027 · Multi-Generation Gathering
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THURSDAY, MARCH 12 · ALL DAY
Families Arrive at MSY
All generations land at Louis Armstrong International. Rideshares and taxis to hotels — group chat for coordination!
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2:00 PM
Hotel Check-In
Settle in at your chosen hotel — Marriott or Hilton. Both are steps from the French Quarter action.
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5:00 PM
Family Meet-Up Walk
All generations gather for a first walk through the French Quarter. Live jazz floats out of every doorway. Let the magic begin!
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6:00 PM
Café Du Monde — Beignets!
The iconic powdered-sugar beignets for all ages. Evening crowds are lighter than morning — perfect for a large family group.
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8:00 PM
Family Welcome Dinner
Group dinner to kick off the gathering. Red beans, fried chicken, and stories flowing freely at a classic NOLA restaurant.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 13 · 8:00 AM
Claim Your Parade Spot Early
Head out early to stake out a prime spot on the parade route. Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks. The whole family in green!
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10:00 AM
🎉 St. Patrick's Day Parade!
The legendary Irish Channel Parade! Floats throw cabbages, potatoes, carrots & beads. Every generation lines the streets — the Hickeys and Brickleys, together at last.
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1:00 PM
French Quarter Festivities
Green cocktails for adults, lemonade for kids, street musicians, and face painting. NOLA at its most festive — Parade Day energy everywhere.
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3:30 PM
Family Crawfish Boil
A true Louisiana St. Patrick's Day tradition — a multi-generation feast around a big steaming pot.
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6:00 PM
Frenchmen Street Live Music
NOLA's best authentic music strip. Multiple free stages — every generation dancing together under the warm night sky.
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9:00 PM
Riverfront Evening
End the big night watching the river lights from the Moon Walk boardwalk. Grandparents, parents, kids — all together.
🌅
SATURDAY, MARCH 14 · 9:00 AM
Final Family Breakfast
One last group breakfast together. Share favorite moments from the weekend before the goodbyes begin.
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10:30 AM
French Market Souvenir Shopping
Pralines, hot sauce, NOLA keepsakes — everyone stocks up on gifts to bring home to family who couldn't make the trip.
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11:30 AM
City Park & Carousel
A final stop at beautiful City Park — kids' fairy-tale village and carousel. Grandparents love this one as much as the little ones.
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1:00 PM
Final Lunch — Mother's Restaurant
Famous po'boys and jambalaya. One last legendary NOLA meal before goodbyes and safe travels home.
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Afternoon onwards
Depart MSY — Until Next Time!
Safe travels home, everyone. The Hickey Family Gathering 2027 — a memory for generations. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
📸 Gallery
Our Family Photos
New Orleans · Brickley Family
🏛️ The French Quarter
🍀 St. Patrick's Parade
🍩 Famous Beignets
🎺 Live Jazz Music
🌊 Mississippi River
The Brickley Family — County Mayo, Ireland ☘️
John Francis Brickley & his first wife 🍺
Grandma Brickley's passenger record — arriving America, April 13, 1905 ⛵
The Hickey Family — Chicago, Illinois 🍺
1131 N. Avers Avenue, Chicago — Dad's childhood home 🏠
THE HICKEY FAMILY · CHICAGO
Michael Hickey — saloon keeper, 1131 N. Avers Avenue, Chicago. One of the three houses in this picture is where Dad grew up.
First wife Mary Butler, then her sister Bridget Butler. Dad's siblings: William, Mary, Joseph, Catherine, Cecilia, Helen, and Geraldine.
By 1930, Birdie Hickey was head of household — holding the family together after Michael passed.
🏨 Where We're Staying
The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans
921 Canal Street · Edge of the French Quarter · New Orleans, LA 70112
✦ Five-Star · Marriott Bonvoy
Est. 1908 · Beaux Arts Landmark
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
"Where the Hickey family gathers in the grandest tradition — steps from the French Quarter, steeped in New Orleans legend."
Housed in the historic 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building, The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is the crown jewel of Canal Street — one block from Bourbon Street, steps from the French Quarter. The legendary Davenport Lounge hosts live jazz every Friday and Saturday night.
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Prime LocationOne block from Bourbon Street. Steps from the parade route.
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Live Jazz NightlyDavenport Lounge — live jazz Fri & Sat nights.
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25,000 sq ft SpaOver 100 treatments. Sauna, hot tub, hot stone massages.
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M Bistro RestaurantUpscale Cajun cuisine. Breakfast, lunch & dinner on site.
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Indoor PoolHeated indoor pool and serene courtyard garden.
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Club Level LoungeAll-day food, dedicated concierge, breakfast included.
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24-Hour Room ServiceNespresso, 65" Smart TVs, Frette linens in every room.
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Family FriendlyKids 18 & under stay free. Free cribs. Ritz Kids program.
Room Options
Deluxe King Room
Italian marble bath, Nespresso, goose-down pillows, 65" Smart TV.
From ~$287/night · Group Rate Available
Deluxe Queen/Queen
Two queens — ideal for families. Kids 18 & under stay free.
Rooms are held under a Hickey family group block for March 12–15, 2027. Email to secure your room at the group rate. Include your name, room preference, and number of rooms needed.
julzs71@hotmail.com · Rooms are limited — request early!
🧳 Don't Forget A Thing
Family Packing Checklist
Click each item to check it off as you pack
💚 St. Patrick's Gear
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Green outfits for everyone
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Shamrock headbands & accessories
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Green face paint for the kids
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Bead collection bags for parade
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Irish family flag or banner
☀️ Weather Essentials
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Light layers (60–75°F in March)
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Compact rain poncho (it's NOLA!)
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Sunscreen SPF 50+
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Small umbrella
👶 Kids Must-Haves
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Portable snacks for long parade days
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Kids' earplugs for loud parades
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Bug spray for swamp tour
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Reusable water bottles
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Small backpack or fanny pack
👴 For the Grandparents
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Comfortable orthopedic walking shoes
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Portable folding chair for parade
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Medications in carry-on
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Sun hat for outdoor events
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Emergency contact list (all family)
📱 Tech & Documents
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Printed hotel & tour confirmations
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Portable phone charger (powerbank)
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Travel insurance documents
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All IDs & credit cards
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Family group chat set up!
📸 Memories
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Camera or charged phone
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Extra memory cards / cloud storage
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Family reunion group photo plan
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Matching family shirts for the photo
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Cork, Ireland family heritage printout
💡 Insider Advice
NOLA Tips for Multi-Generation Families
Hard-won knowledge for making the most of every age group
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Book a Room Block
With multiple families, call the hotel directly for a room block. Same floor keeps everyone close and the gatherings spontaneous.
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Parade Spots Fill Fast
The Irish Channel Parade draws big crowds. Arrive 90 mins early for front-row spots — or book a balcony rental on the route.
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Walk, Don't Drive
The French Quarter is very walkable. Cobblestone streets are charming but uneven — bring good shoes for grandparents.
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Make Reservations Early
For group dinners, book at least 2–3 months ahead. Restaurants fill weeks in advance during St. Patrick's weekend.
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Always Expect Rain
March NOLA weather is warm but unpredictable. Pack ponchos for everyone — afternoon showers are common and brief.
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Embrace the Street Music
Let every generation stop and dance to street musicians. The spontaneous moments become the best memories of the trip.
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Forget the Car
Park once at the hotel and use rideshares or the streetcar all weekend. Parking downtown during parades is nearly impossible.
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Beat the Café Du Monde Line
Hit it before 9 AM or after 8 PM. A large group arriving at peak time faces a 45+ minute wait for beignets.
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Book the Swamp Tour Early
Swamp tours fill up fast on St. Patrick's weekend. Book all spots online at least 4–6 weeks in advance for the whole family.
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Set Up a Family Group Chat
With multiple families and generations, a group chat is essential. Pin the hotel addresses and a meeting point for everyone.
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WEAR GREEN
On parade day, everyone must wear green — from the youngest to the oldest. It's tradition, it's fun, and it's how you blend into the magic.
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Tell the Family Story
St. Patrick's Day is the perfect moment to share the Hickey & Brickley Cork heritage with the younger generation. Make it a tradition.
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A Legacy Rooted in Ireland
The Hickey & Brickley Story
From the ancient lands of Cork — across an ocean — to New Orleans
The Brickley Family
From Knocknagool to America
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Grandma Brickley — Mary Agnes Henaghan Brickley — was born on August 4, 1884 in Knocknagool, a tiny village of just four houses whose name means "Hill of Coal." Her mother's name was Bridget. Relatives are buried in the nearby village of Killeran.
Her family name, Henaghan — or Bird-Henaghan — carries a fascinating story. The name Hanahan is generally regarded as being derived from the Irish word for bird. There were two Henaghan families in the area, so Grandma's family called themselves Bird-Henaghan to distinguish themselves. On her passenger record, her last name was listed as Bird — partly because the Irish were discriminated against in America at the time.
Grandpa Brickley was the only grandparent born in the United States. His grandfather had emigrated to America in 1837. His mother was Helen Sullivan Brickley.
Knocknagool — County Mayo, Ireland
⛵ THE VOYAGE — APRIL 1905
She Thought She Would Drown
Mary Agnes sailed to America on the White Star Line ship The Majestic, arriving in New York City on April 13, 1905. She traveled in steerage — below the waterline — and told her cousin Wil that she was so terrified the entire crossing that she thought she would drown. A remarkable footnote: the ship was captained by Edward Smith, who would later captain the Titanic and perish with it.
To immigrate, she needed a sponsor and $10 in hand. She was sponsored by the Kennedy family — her aunt and uncle from Scranton, Pennsylvania. Before she left Ireland, the community held what was called an American Wake — passing the hat to help raise the $10 she needed to be allowed entry. It was called a wake because everyone knew: once someone left for America, they were unlikely to ever return.
The Hickey Family
Chicago & the Saloon Keeper
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Michael Hickey — our grandfather — appears in the 1910 census at age 38. His first wife was Mary Butler, with whom he had five or six children. After Mary died, Michael married her sister, Bridget Butler, who was 27 at the time. Together they had two more daughters and our Dad. By the 1920 census, Michael listed his occupation as a saloon keeper.
Michael passed away shortly after the 1920 census. By the 1930 census, Birdie Hickey was listed as head of household. The family home was at 1131 N. Avers Avenue, Chicago — one of three houses in a photograph that has been passed down through the family.
Dad's siblings were William, Mary, Joseph, Catherine, Cecilia, Helen, and Geraldine.
County Mayo — the land they left behind
The Family Names
Two Names, One Ancient Land
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⚕️
HICKEY
Ó hÍceadha · "Descendant of the Healer"
The Physician
One of Ireland's most ancient surnames, from the Gaelic iceadh — meaning "healer." The Hickeys were hereditary court physicians to the O'Brien royal family of Thomond, dating to the era of High King Brian Boru (1014 AD). Renowned for their medical skill and scholarship, The Book of the O'Hickeys is still preserved in the British Museum today.
Gaelic: Ó hÍceadha
Chicago: 1131 N. Avers
Clan: Dál gCais
🐦
BRICKLEY
Henaghan · "Derived from the Irish word for Bird"
Cork, Ireland
The Brickleys of Knocknagool (Hill of Coal) — a village of just four houses in County Mayo. The family's maiden name, Henaghan, derives from the Irish word for bird. They called themselves Bird-Henaghan to distinguish from another family. Grandma sailed to America in 1905 on a ship captained by the future captain of the Titanic.
Village: Knocknagool
Arrived: April 13, 1905
Ship: The Majestic
Through the Ages
Our Family Timeline
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1837
Brickley Grandfather Emigrates
Grandpa Brickley's grandfather emigrates from Ireland to the United States, beginning the family's American story.
August 4, 1884
Mary Agnes Henaghan Brickley Is Born
Born in Knocknagool — "Hill of Coal" — a village of just four houses in County Mayo, Ireland. Her mother's name was Bridget.
April 13, 1905
Grandma Arrives in America
Mary Agnes sails in steerage on The Majestic, arriving in New York City. Sponsored by her aunt and uncle, the Kennedy family of Scranton, PA. The ship's captain, Edward Smith, would later captain the Titanic.
1910
Michael Hickey — The Saloon Keeper
The 1910 census records Michael Hickey, age 38, and his wife Bridget (née Butler), 27. His first wife Mary Butler had died after bearing five or six children. He then married her sister Bridget.
1920s
Life on N. Avers Avenue, Chicago
The 1920 census lists Michael Hickey as a saloon keeper. The family home at 1131 N. Avers Avenue, Chicago, is one of three houses in a photograph passed down through the generations. Dad's siblings: William, Mary, Joseph, Catherine, Cecilia, Helen, and Geraldine.
After 1920
Birdie Hickey Heads the Household
Michael Hickey passes away shortly after the 1920 census. By 1930, Birdie Hickey is listed as head of household — a strong woman holding the family together.
March 13, 2027
The Hickey Family — New Orleans 🍀
Multiple generations gather in New Orleans — descendants of the saloon keeper's family from Chicago, and the girl who sailed terrified across the Atlantic from Knocknagool. One family. One story.
The Land of Our Ancestors
Cork — Where It All Began
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The wild Atlantic coast of County Mayo
The green hills of Cork
The forty shades of green
Mayo — The Heather County
Ancient stone walls of Ireland
Wisdom from the Old Country
Irish Proverbs to Live By
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"It is in the shelter of each other that the people live."
— Old Irish Proverb
"Ní neart go cur le chéile." — There is no strength without unity.
— Irish Gaelic
"May the road rise up to meet you, and the wind be always at your back."
— Traditional Irish Blessing
"A family of Irish birth will argue and fight, but let a shout come from without, and see them unite."
— Irish Saying
"Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí." — Praise the young and they will flourish.
— Irish Gaelic
"Is maith an scéalaí an aimsir." — Time is a great storyteller.
— Irish Gaelic
The Thread That Connects Us
One Family, One Story
✦ ✦ ✦
"She sailed in steerage, below the waterline, terrified she would drown — carrying nothing but her faith, her name, and $10 raised by neighbors passing a hat."
— The story of Mary Agnes Henaghan Brickley, April 1905
From a village of four houses in Cork to the streets of Chicago. From a saloon on N. Avers Avenue to the streets of New Orleans. Every generation carried the story forward.
The Brickleys of Knocknagool. The Hickeys of Chicago. The Butler sisters. The Kennedy sponsors in Scranton. The ship captained by the man who would later go down with the Titanic. These are not just facts — they are your family.
Gathering in New Orleans on St. Patrick's Day 2027, the Hickey family carries every one of those stories — across centuries, across oceans, alive in every one of us.
