Limerick minister goes all the way to Malaysia... and meets a Galbally nun!

THE EXPRESSIONS on their faces say it all - what are you doing here!

Minister for State Patrick O’Donovan met up with  Galbally nun Sr Enda while representing the country in the Far East.

Minister O’Donovan visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia as part of the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations. It was at a reception in Kuala Lumpar that Minister O’Donovan met Sr Enda.

The Fine Gael TD said it was “an honour” to meet the Franciscan nun, who is aged in her nineties but certainly doesn’t look it.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader from the other side of the world, Minister O’Donovan said Sr Enda is a proud Galbally lady.

“She arrived in Malaysia to set up village schools in the aftermath of the Second World War, founding Assunta primary and secondary schools in Petaling Jaya, near Kuala Lumpur, in 1958,” said Minister O’Donovan, who had a great chat with the nun.

“Over the years, Sr Enda has played a central role in the education of a great number of Malaysian girls, some of whom, former Central Bank Governor, Dr Zeti, have been prominent in public life. She is an extremely popular and valued member of the local community,” he said. It really is a small world.

During Minister O’Donovan’s time in Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia he met with representatives of the business community to look at opportunities for Irish businesses. Meetings with members of the respective governments were also part of his busy schedule. Indeed, Minister O’Donovan made history as he became the first Irish minister in Thailand for St Patrick’s Day. He also visited an Irish Aid project and presented certificated to students who participated in the Irish Embassy’s scholarship programme in Vietnam.