The Hotel Phoenicia in Floriana organised a festive party in the Ballroom, to celebrate Paddy’s Day. The Phoenicia, now under Irish management, has added St Patrick’s Day to the Hotel’s annual calendar of events as from this year.

Traditional Irish Music was provided by an Irish band that flew over to Malta specifically for the occasion. Feargal O’Donnell from the Wineport Lodge in Ireland and Chris Moley, two chefs from Ireland helped the hotel’s kitchen brigade led by executive chef Victor Borg, create traditional Irish dishes with special ingredients imported specifically for the event from the Emerald Isle.

The Ballroom was turned into a festive venue and decorated for the event in traditional Irish colours.

Guests from the travel trade, hotel clients, business partners, suppliers and the Irish community in Malta all joined the festive celebrations, and Guinness, Jameson and Bushmills flowed freely to create a party atmosphere until the early hours of the morning.

The Chargé d’Affaires from Embassy of Ireland, Gerald O’Connor, was guest of honour.

St Patrick’s Day, celebrated in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, is marked annually on 17 March. It is celebrated all over Ireland and everywhere in the world where Irish people or their descendants live.