International Night is one of the jewels in the student calendar. Once again this year, the prestigious Mansion House acted as venue for the evening which celebrates the diversity of cultures that is RCSI.

Éamon Ó'Ceallaigh, Stephanie Mancini and Adanna Welch-Phillips and the Student Services Office had worked on this event for months. And their dedication and commitment certainly paid off on the night.

Showing their support on the night was Ahmad Tejuddin, First Secretary, Embassy of Malaysia and Azlan Osman, Director of MARA. The performances were also encouraged along by staff from Student Services, Admissions, Welfare, Chaplaincy Team, Faculty and the Deputy Chief Executive. Also in attendance was Liz Healy and over 60 students from the Medical Commencement Programme(MCP) in Tralee. The MCP students were in Dublin for a 2 day orientation and will join RCSI Foundation year on successful completion of the MCP programme.

The evening was hosted by Fergus Matthews and Siofra Neary and for the first time ever the event sold out well in advance.

The event opened up with the recently formed RCSI Choral Society - demonstrating exactly why they are so in demand for College events. They were followed by Team CIMSA, the Canadian Irish Medical Students Association, who performed a comedy play which drew much laughter from the assembled crowd. Up next, nervous at performing in front of the VIP guest from the Malaysian Embassy, came Team PMCSA (Penang Medical College Students Association). As ever the group did not disappoint with displays of dancing in varying styles including Chinese, Malay and Indian. Once again the famous PMCSA dragon reared his colourful head.

The judges this year comprised of Dr Sandra Bonetto (Student Services), Dr Marc Devocelle (Associate Vice-Dean for Student Affairs), Niamh Burdett (Communications) and Munir Tarazi (Welfare Officer, Student Union).  They were given a break from their deliberations at this point and the Dance and Music Societies performed 'out of competition' pieces. After a short intermission the contest continued on with an energetic performance from Team Middle East, defending their title from 2011. The Dance Society once again showcased their talent with a display of hip-hop dancing.

'Team PIBS goes to India' followed the Dance Society. This intriguingly titled performance came from a group of students representing Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka - among others! They wowed with a massive Bollywood style dance routine which brought several audience members to their feet. A hard act to follow, but the group to do so was equally as talented - CAS (Caribbean African Society), who entertained the crowd as only CAS know how! Finally, the show ended back on home soil, as it were, with performances of traditional music and song from the Irish Society.

The judges had a difficult job, but after counting and recounting Team PIBS were crowned the winners. Well done to Akshay Padki and his hardworking team. They were presented with the Parnell Keeling Perpetual Trophy.