The word houlihan or (Hula Hand) as in Vince's answer above probably does refer to throwing a rope. Throughout the years it's meaning may have become mixed up with the Irish slang "Hooley" meaning party. The origin of "Hooley" was brought back to Ireland from India by Irishmen serving in the British Army there and derives from the Hindustani word "HOOLIE" which is a Hindu festival. I often wondered about it's true meaning myself. Thanks Vince.