SOME of the works of four Irish literary greats – W.B. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney – will be promoted when the Penang Irish Association (PIA) celebrates St Patrick’s Festival on March 9 and 10.
Themed ‘A Glimpse into Irish Literature – Celebrating the Nobel Quartet’, the festival will not only showcase Irish literature but also its culture.
State Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said even focusing on four of Ireland’s renowned writers would still be just like a drop in the ocean of what Irish literature has to offer.
“They are four Irish geniuses who between 1923 and 1995 have all been awarded the Nobel Prize,” Yeoh told a press conference in Komtar today.
“The festival is like ‘Bringing Ireland to Penang’ and a boost to Penang as a tourist destination.
“Penang has so many events and festivals that are celebrated throughout the year, such as the Thai Festival, Bon Odori Festival, Thaipusam, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year and Hungry Ghost Festival.
“We want more tourists to come to Penang for vacation and also at the same time we can promote different cultural events and festivals that are being celebrated, “he said.
Also present were PIA president Maggie Territt, vice-president Sinead Alhstrand Pedersen and Warrior Fitness & Adventure managing director Conor McManus.
Pedersen said they would be promoting books on Irish influences in Penang since 1794 besides history, culture and business on March 9 and 10 in a mini expo at Straits Quay.
Also lined up are the 19th St Patrick’s Ball at the E&O Hotel (March 9) and the sixth St Patrick’s Street Parade in Straits Quay (March 10), followed by a 5km fun run and a concert.
“Penang is known as a multicultural city and we are here to share and celebrate the Irish culture together with Malaysian and Penang people. We hope through this event we can enhance the friendship between Malaysia and Ireland,” Territt said.
Those interested to take part in the festival can log on to https://event.howei.com/event/shamrock-fun-run-2019 or email to [email protected].
Story by J. Kirrthana
Pix by Siti Humaira Mohamed Yasin