8 March 2024: Celebrating friendships and ties at the St. Patrick’s Dinner in Penang

There is something magical about capturing a gathering through the lens – especially when it is one filled with the rich traditions, hearty laughter and deep-rooted friendships that define the Irish community. The St. Patrick’s Dinner on Friday, 8 March 2024, hosted by the Irish Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (ICCM) Penang Chapter and the Penang Irish Association (PIA), was no different.

The dinner was held at the Java Tree Restaurant within the elegant Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang. It was an evening that celebrated more than just the Irish National Day – it highlighted the bonds of friendship and business connections that bring people together, crossing borders and backgrounds.

As a photographer and graphic designer who has worked with Maggie Territt, president of PIA, for over two decades, assisting in the design of promotional materials, I have had the privilege of witnessing countless events unfold. However, this one felt particularly poignant. With PIA taking a sabbatical from its activities, including hosting its beloved Irish ball in Penang, one might have thought the evening would feel a little "empty". Yet, the Irish spirit, warmth and hearty laughter proved otherwise. This gathering, intimate yet vibrant, served as a perfect reminder of why social gatherings and associations like PIA play such a vital role in fostering lasting bonds and friendships between Ireland and Penang.

In the warm glow of candlelight, over 40 guests gathered in the cosy dining area to extend a heartfelt céad míle fáilte to H.E. Orla Tunney, the new Irish Ambassador to Malaysia. It was a night where the clinking of glasses, punctuated by the craic and animated conversations, encapsulated the essence of Irish camaraderie. "It’s nights like these that remind us how important it is to come together," Maggie Territt shared with a smile during her welcome speech. "Friendships are what keep our community alive and flourishing."

Before dinner commenced, Sinead Pedersen, Vice President of PIA, opened with a Gaelic grace, setting a tone of reverence and connection to tradition. That evening, guests enjoyed a 4-course sit-down Western meal accompanied by free flow of wine, beers and house-pouring spirits. As the appetizer arrived – a chilled prawn salad with basil, shallots and chilli vinaigrette – it was clear the evening was not just about speeches, but about savouring every moment, both gastronomic and social.

Then, a bowl of comforting vegetables, potato and leek soup with a dollop of sour cream and some chives was served. The soup was accompanied by an assortment of freshly baked buns.

For the main course, guests were presented with two options – salmon fillet or the beef tenderloin. The herb-crusted salmon was served with cream spinach and a zesty tomato caper sauce. The beef on the other hand was paired with mashed potatoes, braised cabbage and an onion with rosemary sauce. I opted for the latter and it was tender and truly scrumptious. The free-flowing wine, beer and house spirits further enhanced the festive atmosphere of the evening.

For dessert, guests enjoyed a warm, aromatic apple pie with cinnamon and a generous dash of Irish cream. Throughout the evening, the impeccable service of the E&O team ensured that every guest received the utmost care and hospitality, creating a wonderful dining experience.

Donal Crotty, Chairman of ICCM, also graced the gathering with a word or two, underscoring the importance of Irish business relations in Penang and heralding the return of the PIA St. Patrick's Ball in 2025.

H.E. Orla Tunney addressed the room as well. "I’m honoured to be here, surrounded by such a close-knit community", she said, acknowledging the deep-rooted connections between Ireland and Penang. Her words mirrored the sentiment of the evening – that while business and diplomacy might bring people together, it is the friendships and shared experiences that truly bind them.

As the evening came to a close, I felt a deep sense of fulfilment. Through the lens of my camera, I had captured not just the beauty of the event but the essence of what makes gatherings like these so vital. They are more than just dinners; they are celebrations of connection, shared culture and the powerful bonds that reinforce friendships.

For me, as both a photographer and a good friend of PIA, the evening was a reminder of the joy in capturing moments that are not just seen but felt – moments of kinship, merriment and the unmistakable charm of the Emerald Isle.

Written and photographed by Adrian Cheah
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8 March 2024