Empowering Alliances: The Unforgettable 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Ball
Céad míle fáilte – a hundred thousand welcomes – to an evening of camaraderie and the enduring spirit of Ireland, set against the resplendent backdrop of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel’s grand ballroom. On 7 March 2025, the Penang Irish Association (PIA), in collaboration with The Irish Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (ICCM), orchestrated a night of elegance and revelry, celebrating the power of alliances that connect the Emerald Isle with the UNESCO World Heritage City of George Town.
The evening began with a warm Irish welcome at The Verandah, where guests were greeted by the lively strains of Irish music, performed by the talented Ronald Vic De Leon and Claudia Angelique Ng. An open bar offered free-flowing champagne, wines, Guinness and Maggie T’s signature "Green Mamba" cocktail.
As a black-tie affair, guests arrived dressed to the nines – dapper gentlemen in tuxedos and ladies in stunning dresses adorned with fine jewellery, many embracing shades of green in true Irish spirit. Laughter and clinking glasses filled the air as kindred spirits reunited, the traditional "drowning of the shamrock" began early, setting the stage for a night of unforgettable revelry.
For over two decades, I have had the honour of working alongside the inimitable Maggie Territt, President of PIA, in shaping the visual identity of this cherished event. From posters to backdrops, invitations to streamers and even capturing the evening through my lens, my journey with PIA has been one of deep personal and creative fulfilment. Yet, this night – like every St. Patrick’s Ball before it – was more than just a celebration. It was a testament to the ties that bind friendships across borders, cultures and time.
This year’s theme, "Empowering Alliances", resonated throughout the grand ballroom as friends of Ireland gathered to toast friendship, celebrate Irish heritage and strengthen enduring bonds. Among the distinguished guests was H.E. Orla Tunney, Irish Ambassador to Malaysia, joined by esteemed members of ICCM and a vibrant assembly embodying the strength and spirit of the Irish community in Penang and beyond.
This unity was deeply moving when the room stood in reverence and "Ireland’s Call" echoed through the ballroom, led by Ronald and Claudia on stage, with the organising committee and past and present presidents of the Irish Society in Kuala Lumpur singing with heartfelt pride. As the final notes lingered in the air, the evening’s celebration continued with a scrumptious five-course menu.
It began with an amuse-bouche – peppercorn-crusted Ahi tuna atop rye toast with a fennel and orange salad and horseradish cream. This was followed by a refreshing tiger prawn cocktail, where the sweetness of marinated tomatoes and mango complemented the guacamole and tangy Marie Rose sauce.
Next came an aromatic wild mushroom potage, drizzled with truffle oil and served with a selection of artisanal breads. For the main course, guests chose between two delightful offerings: a pan-seared Norwegian salmon loin accompanied by organic spinach and potato ragout, or a succulent Black Angus beef fillet mignon, resting on a bed of grain mustard potato and paired with braised red cabbage, asparagus tips and a thyme sauce. I opted for the salmon and enjoyed it so much that my plate looked like it had been licked clean – though I promise, it was not!
The meal concluded on a delightful note with a warm apple crumble tarte, served with some wild berry compote and a vanilla sauce. A cheese platter followed, along with a choice of coffee or tea, and an after-dinner drink of whiskey and Baileys.
With glasses raised, the evening continued in a spirit of toasts and tributes. Columba McGarvey, Chair of the ICCM Penang Chapter, led the first toast to His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong, followed by Karen Morgan’s toast to alliances. Vice President Sinead Ahlstrand Pedersen then delivered a heartfelt tribute to Irish friends and guests, while Drew Phillips, with his signature wit, brought an air of joviality as he toasted St. Patrick. Ambassador Tunney followed with a stirring reflection on the indomitable spirit of the Irish and the friendships nurtured across the globe.
As the evening unfolded, gratitude took centre stage. Sponsors and key contributors who played a vital role in making the celebration a success were warmly invited forward – a thoughtful gesture of appreciation for their support. It was truly touching that Maggie has always included me in this special tradition, a testament to her kindness and generosity.
Meanwhile, the rhythmic footwork of the Inspirational Irish Dancers from Singapore had been captivating the room since dinner began – a vibrant echo of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. Their spirited performance filled the air with an unmistakable Irish charm, adding to the evening’s enchantment.
As the night wore on, the stage was passed to The Acidic Bunch, a six-piece band whose electrifying performance ignited a lively céilí of sorts. Guests flooded the dance floor, spinning, stomping and swaying with boundless energy, carrying the revelry all the way to the stroke of midnight.
Throughout it all, Frankie Yap and I were behind the lens, capturing the night’s magic – moments frozen in time, preserving an evening when Penang was touched by a bit of Irish gold. Adding to the fun, a photo booth offered instant snapshots, printed on the spot as keepsake mementos, ensuring guests could take home not only fond memories but a tangible piece of the St. Patrick's Day celebration as well. Sláinte to another unforgettable evening!
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Written by Adrian Cheah
Photographed by Adrian Cheah and Frankie Yap
© All rights reserved
7 March 2025