As every year, the small embassy was packed. There was plenty of greenery and many shamrocks to be seen, both as decorations and on the guests. Following an introductory harp performance, the Ambassador welcomed the guests and pointed out that there are over 70 million people of Irish descent worldwide – far more than in Ireland itself, which has a population of around 7 million. She emphasised the exceptionally good relations between Ireland and Germany and their growing importance for both countries. She was followed by the Irish Minister for Health, Ms Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who had just completed a tour of Germany and met with her counterparts in the federal states. She spoke of very constructive discussions and many ideas that she would take back to Ireland and would like to incorporate into the health system there.

As usual, the sponsors, including Guinness, Bailey’s, Kerrygold and others, provided the culinary accompaniment in a very relaxed atmosphere.