Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters Celebrate a Festive Christmas Gathering

Warmth, Laughter, and Fine Speeches Mark the Final Meeting of 2025

C O'Connell (Topicsmaster), M Lynes (Toastmaster) & P Corcoran (Speak Easy President)

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A Merry Evening of Toastmasters Spirit

Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters gathered on 11th December 2025 for their final meeting of the year—a festive, joyful evening celebrating both the season and the club’s vibrant community.

The meeting was presided over by President P. Corcoran, who welcomed members and guests to a Christmas-themed night full of learning, laughter, and festive cheer.
M. Lynes, serving as Toastmaster for the evening, guided the packed agenda with poise and seasonal good humour.

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Roles for the Night

The programme featured a strong team:

• Topicsmaster: C. O’Connell

• Timer: N. O’Connor

• General Evaluator: L. Flynn

• Poetry Corner: B. Foley, who shared “On My Own” by Pat Ingoldsby

• Ah Counter: J. Marina Camarasa

• Grammarian: B. Buckley

P Patton & J Marina Camarasa

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A Quartet of Engaging Speeches

Members were treated to four diverse and memorable speeches:

“It Was Never a Week” – T. O’Sullivan

A heartfelt and often humorous reflection on experiences with the local Scouts branch.
Evaluator: J. McConville

“Curiosity – Killed the Dog?” – P. Patton

A thoughtful and entertaining look back at their Toastmasters journey so far.
Evaluator: R. Liston

“No Laughing Matter” – P. Sexton

An informative and serious warning on the dangers of Nitrous Oxide.
Evaluator: M. Cronin

“Toasty” – H. Giles

Part of the Innovative Planning Level 1 Pathway, this warm and engaging speech explored H. Giles’ experience at the Killavullen market meeting locals and selling toasted sandwiches.
Evaluator: M. O’Regan

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R Liston & M Cronin

Festive Break and Topics Fun

A Christmas-inspired break followed, complete with music, mince pies, crackers, and lively conversation among the 20 attendees.
Afterwards, Topicsmaster C. O’Connell delivered a dynamic impromptu speaking session—full of imaginative prompts and festive surprises.

C O'Connell as Topicsmaster

B Buckley & P Sexton

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Evaluation Excellence

L. Flynn, as General Evaluator, led the evaluation segment with confidence, overseeing four insightful and constructive speech evaluations, rounding off the educational portion of the evening.

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Closing the Year With Cheer

The meeting concluded at 10pm, with all departing in cheerful spirits—energised by friendship, self-improvement, and the joy of the season.

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Next Meeting – Guests Welcome

Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters will return on
📅 January 8th 2026
📍 Hibernian Hotel, 7.45pm

Thinking of starting a new hobby or building confidence in speaking? Come along as a guest—we’d be delighted to welcome you.

Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters Host Engaging November Meeting

 

Members of Speak Easy Toastmasters gathered once again for an entertaining and thought-provoking evening of public speaking and fellowship recently in Mallow.

Club President P Corcoran opened proceedings with a warm address, updating members on recent developments within the Toastmasters district and highlighting the upcoming online speaking contest - District 71 online conference on Saturday November 29th. His remarks reflected the club’s strong connection to the wider Toastmasters network and its commitment to continuous development.

Two of our speakers this evening - R Liston and M O'Donnell

The evening began on a lighter note with B Buckley sharing his self-written poem “Autumn Fall” — a humorous and heartfelt reflection on the season, cleverly intertwined with the story of a recent tumble he took. The poem was warmly received and set the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable night.

Two of our evaluators for the evening - H Giles and P Sexton

The prepared speech session featured four strong contributions:

M O’Donnell delivered a reflective Presentation Mastery Level 1 speech entitled “Things to Ponder Upon”, offering thoughtful insights and personal reflection. This was evaluated by M Lynes.

M O'Donnell providing her speech on the evening.

B Foley followed with “Let Me Tell You a Story (Why I Grew a Beard)”, an engaging and humorous account of personal change, evaluated by H Giles.

Next came L Flynn with a compelling historical piece, “The History of the Hedge School in Ireland”, which explored Ireland’s educational heritage and its cultural significance. His speech was evaluated by P Sexton.

L Flynn in full flow during his speech on the night

The final speech of the evening came from R Liston, who entertained the room with an amusing retelling of “Moving Day”, evaluated by P Corcoran.

Following the tea break, J McConville took charge of a lively and engaging Table Topics session, with impromptu themes ranging from favourite music albums to reflections on Science Week in Ireland. This segment brought plenty of humour, quick thinking and audience participation.

J McConville as Topicsmaster for the evening.

The overall evaluation of the meeting was conducted by returning long-time member D McSweeney, who provided thoughtful feedback and encouragement to all participants.

Enjoying the banter at the tea break - P Gallgher and D McSweeney

The club was delighted to welcome several guests on the night and extends an open invitation to anyone interested in public speaking or self-development to attend their next meeting on December 11th at 7.45pm in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow.

Our Toastmaster for the evening - T O'Sullivan