8 May

At the Speakeasy Toastmasters Club meeting on the 1’st May in The Hibernian Hotel, ( Chapel Lane) Mallow, President, Pat Sexton welcomed the 40 members and guests and introduced Jerry Mulcahy who was Toastmaster for the evening. Jerry explained his role and introduced the officers for the evening who were Ray Ryan, Topicsmaster, Timekeeper, Deirdre Lenihan, General Evaluator, Micheál Mc Mahon, and Sgt. At Arms, Elaine O’Donovan and Kay Quirke. As there was a busy programme and the AGM as well Jerry started the programme immediately and introduced the first speaker of the evening, Ann Buckley. Ann was presenting a Stage 2 speech entitled “Fairytale Come True”. “As children we are fed on romantic fairytales of happy couples which rarely tell us what happens to these couples when they move on with their lives.” Said Ann, who went on to tell us about the effect of modern living and which can result in stress. Ann pointed out the various different conditions that can lead to stress and ways to avoid them. She also had a handout for everyone in the audience.
Angela Sheehan evaluated Ann’s speech.
After Ann it was the turn of Guest Speaker, Michael Buckley from the Crusaders Toastmasters Club with a stage 4 speech entitled, “Farewell To Famine” which was the story of Thomas Hoar who was born in 1795 and went on to be ordained a priest and then Parish Priest in Wexford. It was the time of the famine and Fr Hoar organized a mass exodus to Arkansas where the local bishop was looking for Catholic families to populate his dioceses. The decadences of these emigrants can be found there to this day.
Michael Cronin evaluated Michael’s speech.
Next to the lectern was Michael Donegan with a speech from and Advanced Manual entitled “The Bill”.
“Ladies and Gentlemen we are gathered here this evening at this memorial service to pay tribute to our dear friend Bill who passed away just a few short weeks ago” began Michael who told the story of Bill who left his native Mayo and took the emigrant boat to England. Michael traced Bill’s life, working on the building sites, coming home and working in Dublin. Meeting Maureen from our own town and coming to live locally and his involvement in the local community to his death.
Eileen Corkery evaluated Michael’s speech.

Topicsmaster was Ray Ryan who kept us on our toes and entertained with some his topics. “If you found a €50 note on the street, what would you do with it?” he asked Michael Walsh, whose answer had us “in knots” laughing. Add on’s were provided by Deirdre Lenihan and also having her say on the topic was guest, Ciara O’Keeffe.
“How do you define a true gentleman”, Kay O’Keeffe was asked, which produced an “add on” by Pat Duggan.
“What was the most difficult topic you were ever asked at a Toastmasters meeting” was asked of Marie Fitzpatrick.
John Murphy was asked, “Have you any summer holiday planned”?

Speakeasy Toastmasters AGM.
The AGM of the Club was also held on Thursday, which began with Club Secretary, Angela Sheehan reading the minutes of the last AGM. Reports were presented by the outgoing officers, Sgt. At Arms, Kay Quirke, PRO Sean Corcoran, Treasurer, Jerry Mulcahy EVP Pat Duggan and President Pat Sexton.
The members of the incoming committee for (September) 2003-2004 are, President, Pat Duggan. Vice President Education (EVP), Sean Corcoran. Vice President Public Relations (PRO), Angela Sheehan. Vice President Membership, Mary Buckley. Secretary, Ray Ryan. Treasurer, Micheál Dineen. Sgt. At Arms, Deirdre Linehan, John Murphy and Michael Walsh.

The next meeting of The Speakeasy Toastmasters Club in on Thursday 15’th of May and will be the Club’s ATM night. As always, Guests/Members of the public are very welcome to attend Club meetings and will never be asked to speak. For further information on the Club contact Sean on 086 6054784 or Pat 087 2364240 or visit the Club’s Website at www.clix.to/speakeasy. Email, speakeasymallow@eircom.net