Welcome guests
As usual guests are very welcome at Speakeasy Toastmaster meetings, and last week two visiting Toastmasters from the UK got actively involved in proceedings. Imke Halberstadt, who is the current Area 6 governor, took on the role of General evaluator and Jane Riddell, Division B governor evaluated Michael McMahon’s speech. Following on from a very entertaining speech session, the role of Topicsmaster was taken on by Margaret O’ Regan. The topics included; do you believe in fairies?, what will you say to the canvassers on your doorstep?, what tactics do you use to get rid of unwelcome guests?, and the benefits of Playstations over robbing orchards’. As usual the response was spontaneous and entertaining.
Our next meeting will be our last for this year and will be held on Thursday, 27th May at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
If you would like to know more about Speakeasy Toastmasters club you can ring Angela at 022 51071 or Sean at 022 22755 for information. Or you can log onto our website www.speakeasytoastmasters.com. The club’s e-mail address is speakeasymallow@eircom.net
Thursday, May 27, 2004
27 May
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
Welcome guests
As usual guests are very welcome at Speakeasy Toastmaster meetings, and last week two visiting Toastmasters from the UK got actively involved in proceedings. Imke Halberstadt, who is the current Area 6 governor, took on the role of General evaluator and Jane Riddell, Division B governor evaluated Michael McMahon’s speech. Following on from a very entertaining speech session, the role of Topicsmaster was taken on by Margaret O’ Regan. The topics included; do you believe in fairies?, what will you say to the canvassers on your doorstep?, what tactics do you use to get rid of unwelcome guests?, and the benefits of Playstations over robbing orchards’. As usual the response was spontaneous and entertaining.
Our next meeting will be our last for this year and will be held on Thursday, 27th May at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Welcome guests
As usual guests are very welcome at Speakeasy Toastmaster meetings, and last week two visiting Toastmasters from the UK got actively involved in proceedings. Imke Halberstadt, who is the current Area 6 governor, took on the role of General evaluator and Jane Riddell, Division B governor evaluated Michael McMahon’s speech. Following on from a very entertaining speech session, the role of Topicsmaster was taken on by Margaret O’ Regan. The topics included; do you believe in fairies?, what will you say to the canvassers on your doorstep?, what tactics do you use to get rid of unwelcome guests?, and the benefits of Playstations over robbing orchards’. As usual the response was spontaneous and entertaining.
Our next meeting will be our last for this year and will be held on Thursday, 27th May at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, May 20, 2004
20 May
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
Roy is the boy!
Members and guests were treated to five very diverse and interesting speeches last Thursday night during the penultimate meeting of Speakeasy Toastmasters club. First up was Elizabeth O’ Brien with a speech entitled ‘8 day wonder’ which described the preparations and activities associated with the Lenten stations which can be accomplished with just 8 days notice. Another myth was shattered, though, as she discovered that men CAN pour tea. Michael McMahon told the very strange true story of the effects of a drug used in the 60’s which resulted in the birth of 6 exceptionally good but ‘different’ children. Each of the children provoked violence towards themselves as a result of being totally non-prejudiced. The speech was entitled ‘The little victims’. The subject of Mary Buckley’s speech was Roy Keane and she read a variety of very interesting and insightful extracts from his autobiography. As a result everyone present wants to buy a copy of the book for themselves. Vivien Buckley gave an impromptu speech on the subject of ‘Excellent communication skills essential’ which described how conventional communication skills as we know them can be completely useless in certain circumstances. Appropriate skills have to be learnt in order to be able to communicate effectively with autistic adults. The final speech of the night was delivered by John Dillon, entitled ‘A unique opportunity’. In the year 2016 Ireland will be celebrating the 1916 centenary. It would be an ideal opportunity to recognise the peacemakers rather than place the emphasis on the heroes of the physical force movements. John’s hope is that the 2016 centenary will mark an end to violence and will be used as an opportunity for peace. Michael Cronin, Jane Riddell, Kieran Buckley, Jerry Mulcahy and Barry McCarthy were the speech evaluators on the night.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 27th May at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Roy is the boy!
Members and guests were treated to five very diverse and interesting speeches last Thursday night during the penultimate meeting of Speakeasy Toastmasters club. First up was Elizabeth O’ Brien with a speech entitled ‘8 day wonder’ which described the preparations and activities associated with the Lenten stations which can be accomplished with just 8 days notice. Another myth was shattered, though, as she discovered that men CAN pour tea. Michael McMahon told the very strange true story of the effects of a drug used in the 60’s which resulted in the birth of 6 exceptionally good but ‘different’ children. Each of the children provoked violence towards themselves as a result of being totally non-prejudiced. The speech was entitled ‘The little victims’. The subject of Mary Buckley’s speech was Roy Keane and she read a variety of very interesting and insightful extracts from his autobiography. As a result everyone present wants to buy a copy of the book for themselves. Vivien Buckley gave an impromptu speech on the subject of ‘Excellent communication skills essential’ which described how conventional communication skills as we know them can be completely useless in certain circumstances. Appropriate skills have to be learnt in order to be able to communicate effectively with autistic adults. The final speech of the night was delivered by John Dillon, entitled ‘A unique opportunity’. In the year 2016 Ireland will be celebrating the 1916 centenary. It would be an ideal opportunity to recognise the peacemakers rather than place the emphasis on the heroes of the physical force movements. John’s hope is that the 2016 centenary will mark an end to violence and will be used as an opportunity for peace. Michael Cronin, Jane Riddell, Kieran Buckley, Jerry Mulcahy and Barry McCarthy were the speech evaluators on the night.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 27th May at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
13 May
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
The final part of our recent meeting was taken up with the club’s AGM. Following the various reports from the outgoing officers, the following new committee members were elected;
President; Sean Corcoran
Educational Vice President; Angela Sheehan
Treasurer; Mary Buckley
PRO: Sean Dillon
New Membership: Michael Cronin
Secretary: Dierdre Lenihan
Sergeant-at arms; Anne Buckley
Paula Lane
If you want to get a taste of Toastmasters before we finish for the summer you only have two opportunities left. Our final meetings will be held on May 13th and 27th. So put a note in your diary or you’ll have to wait until we start up again in September.
Finally – the very best of luck to Dierdre Lenihan in the District International speech contest to be held in Limerick at the weekend.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 13th May at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
The final part of our recent meeting was taken up with the club’s AGM. Following the various reports from the outgoing officers, the following new committee members were elected;
President; Sean Corcoran
Educational Vice President; Angela Sheehan
Treasurer; Mary Buckley
PRO: Sean Dillon
New Membership: Michael Cronin
Secretary: Dierdre Lenihan
Sergeant-at arms; Anne Buckley
Paula Lane
If you want to get a taste of Toastmasters before we finish for the summer you only have two opportunities left. Our final meetings will be held on May 13th and 27th. So put a note in your diary or you’ll have to wait until we start up again in September.
Finally – the very best of luck to Dierdre Lenihan in the District International speech contest to be held in Limerick at the weekend.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 13th May at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, May 06, 2004
6 May
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
Congratulations, Dierdre
Dierdre Lenihan delivered a powerful speech in the Vienna Woods hotel, Cork last Saturday night during the Division A International speech contest. Such was the calibre and content of her speech that she was declared the winner on the night and will go on to represent the Division in the District finals in Limerick on the 15th May. She will be competing against other Divisional winners from Ireland and the UK. The very best of luck to her.
And on to the meeting held last Thursday night; What is the most fascinating and useful piece of equipment in your house? Well in Mary Stack’s opinion it’s got to be the remote control. Sitting comfortably, feet up, and away she goes – spoilt for choice with 200 channels and a huge variety of programme choice. The documentaries and the health shows are particularly fascinating and educational. Did you know that you can cure hiccups with a paper bag? Fortunately, as Mary makes all the big decisions, she controls the remote and she decides whether to ‘switch or not to switch’. Mary’s speech was evaluated by Michael Walsh.
Following the speech session Eugene O’ Connell took control of the meeting with a spirited and interesting Topics session. The topics included; Beverly Cooper-Flynn – what should she do now; Your worst travel experience; Most disliked newspaper columnist; and Which professional manager would you have as manager of Speakeasy. As usual this was a most entertaining part of the evening, with plenty of participation and a wide variety of opinions aired.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 13th May at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Congratulations, Dierdre
Dierdre Lenihan delivered a powerful speech in the Vienna Woods hotel, Cork last Saturday night during the Division A International speech contest. Such was the calibre and content of her speech that she was declared the winner on the night and will go on to represent the Division in the District finals in Limerick on the 15th May. She will be competing against other Divisional winners from Ireland and the UK. The very best of luck to her.
And on to the meeting held last Thursday night; What is the most fascinating and useful piece of equipment in your house? Well in Mary Stack’s opinion it’s got to be the remote control. Sitting comfortably, feet up, and away she goes – spoilt for choice with 200 channels and a huge variety of programme choice. The documentaries and the health shows are particularly fascinating and educational. Did you know that you can cure hiccups with a paper bag? Fortunately, as Mary makes all the big decisions, she controls the remote and she decides whether to ‘switch or not to switch’. Mary’s speech was evaluated by Michael Walsh.
Following the speech session Eugene O’ Connell took control of the meeting with a spirited and interesting Topics session. The topics included; Beverly Cooper-Flynn – what should she do now; Your worst travel experience; Most disliked newspaper columnist; and Which professional manager would you have as manager of Speakeasy. As usual this was a most entertaining part of the evening, with plenty of participation and a wide variety of opinions aired.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 13th May at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, April 29, 2004
29 April
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
The Topics session last Thursday evening was held in a number of parts, interspersed throughout a very entertaining meeting which consisted of three wonderful speeches and a Tall Tales contest. Dierdre Collins was the Topics master for the night and she made sure that as many people as possible were on their feet responding to a wide variety of topics which included; Ireland as a holiday destination – too expensive? Is the media too intrusive? Should the Pope retire? Where would you holiday this year, if money was no object? Is it good to have Roy Keane back? And finally - If advertising of alcohol were banned would its abuse be prevented? As usual the replies were varied and entertaining.
Dates for your diary:
Division A International Speech and Evaluation contests; Sat. April 24th, Vienna Woods Hotel, Cork, 8:00pm. Come along and support Speakeasy Toastmaster Dierdre Linehan on the night.
Speakeasy club AGM; Thursday, April 29th, 8:00pm.
Killarney Toastmasters Club Charter Dinner; Castle Ross Hotel, Killarney, 30th April.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 29th April at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
The Topics session last Thursday evening was held in a number of parts, interspersed throughout a very entertaining meeting which consisted of three wonderful speeches and a Tall Tales contest. Dierdre Collins was the Topics master for the night and she made sure that as many people as possible were on their feet responding to a wide variety of topics which included; Ireland as a holiday destination – too expensive? Is the media too intrusive? Should the Pope retire? Where would you holiday this year, if money was no object? Is it good to have Roy Keane back? And finally - If advertising of alcohol were banned would its abuse be prevented? As usual the replies were varied and entertaining.
Dates for your diary:
Division A International Speech and Evaluation contests; Sat. April 24th, Vienna Woods Hotel, Cork, 8:00pm. Come along and support Speakeasy Toastmaster Dierdre Linehan on the night.
Speakeasy club AGM; Thursday, April 29th, 8:00pm.
Killarney Toastmasters Club Charter Dinner; Castle Ross Hotel, Killarney, 30th April.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 29th April at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, April 22, 2004
22 April
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
Last Thursday evening Speakeasy Toastmasters club welcomed members of the Fáilte (Charleville) and Fermoy Toastmaster clubs to Mallow for a joint meeting. Everyone enjoyed the packed programme which included three fine speeches, a lively Topics session and of course the Area 17 Final of the Tall Tales contest.
First on the programme was William Blackbyrne from the Fermoy club, with a speech entitled ‘A culture of sports for children’ which described the many benefits of nurturing an interest in sports in our children from a young age. With the right attitude and with plenty of encouragement and some effort, adults can play an important role in preventing obesity while ensuring the healthy development of children both mentally and physically. Ray Ryan evaluated this speech. Anne Buckley is a member of Speakeasy Mallow and she asked ‘What is your time worth?’ In this very relevant and timely speech Anne outlined some very useful ways by which we can manage our time and as a result learn to manage our lives too. We are encouraged to respect each hour as a valuable part of our lives. This speech was evaluated by Tom Kelly. The final speech of the evening, entitled ‘One of God’s gifts’, came from Fanahan Mansell and was evaluated by John Quirke. This was a very informative and interesting speech about the importance, usefulness, resilience and beauty of grass, in all its 40 shades. Both Johns (Cash and Quirke) were correct – grass really is one of God’s gifts.
Each of the three clubs in Area 17 were represented in the Tall tales contest final, which began with a speech ‘Downwardly mobile’ from Brian O’ Farrell (Fermoy). Apparently there are hidden features in certain mobile phones which can help you avoid the law at all costs- yeah right! Donal Jones from Charleville entertained us with ‘Ups and Downs of life’ which described his efforts to find the ideal match and companion for his lonely friend. Silence is not always guaranteed! The final tale came from Michael Walsh entitled ‘Would you believe’. This was a gripping story of his childhood which was filled with late night visits to the family ‘bunker’ by ‘athletes’ on the run in long woolly hats who had an aversion to daylight, but some of whom nevertheless went on to become successful ‘coaches’ in Columbia. Congratulations and well done to Michael Walsh who was the winner of the Area 17 Tall tales contest.
Reminder: Killarney Toastmasters Club is hosting its Charter Dinner in the Castle Ross Hotel, Killarney, on the 30th April. Come along and help celebrate the occasion. For those Mallow people who are interested in attending, tickets can be obtained through the Speakeasy Toastmasters club.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 29th April at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Last Thursday evening Speakeasy Toastmasters club welcomed members of the Fáilte (Charleville) and Fermoy Toastmaster clubs to Mallow for a joint meeting. Everyone enjoyed the packed programme which included three fine speeches, a lively Topics session and of course the Area 17 Final of the Tall Tales contest.
First on the programme was William Blackbyrne from the Fermoy club, with a speech entitled ‘A culture of sports for children’ which described the many benefits of nurturing an interest in sports in our children from a young age. With the right attitude and with plenty of encouragement and some effort, adults can play an important role in preventing obesity while ensuring the healthy development of children both mentally and physically. Ray Ryan evaluated this speech. Anne Buckley is a member of Speakeasy Mallow and she asked ‘What is your time worth?’ In this very relevant and timely speech Anne outlined some very useful ways by which we can manage our time and as a result learn to manage our lives too. We are encouraged to respect each hour as a valuable part of our lives. This speech was evaluated by Tom Kelly. The final speech of the evening, entitled ‘One of God’s gifts’, came from Fanahan Mansell and was evaluated by John Quirke. This was a very informative and interesting speech about the importance, usefulness, resilience and beauty of grass, in all its 40 shades. Both Johns (Cash and Quirke) were correct – grass really is one of God’s gifts.
Each of the three clubs in Area 17 were represented in the Tall tales contest final, which began with a speech ‘Downwardly mobile’ from Brian O’ Farrell (Fermoy). Apparently there are hidden features in certain mobile phones which can help you avoid the law at all costs- yeah right! Donal Jones from Charleville entertained us with ‘Ups and Downs of life’ which described his efforts to find the ideal match and companion for his lonely friend. Silence is not always guaranteed! The final tale came from Michael Walsh entitled ‘Would you believe’. This was a gripping story of his childhood which was filled with late night visits to the family ‘bunker’ by ‘athletes’ on the run in long woolly hats who had an aversion to daylight, but some of whom nevertheless went on to become successful ‘coaches’ in Columbia. Congratulations and well done to Michael Walsh who was the winner of the Area 17 Tall tales contest.
Reminder: Killarney Toastmasters Club is hosting its Charter Dinner in the Castle Ross Hotel, Killarney, on the 30th April. Come along and help celebrate the occasion. For those Mallow people who are interested in attending, tickets can be obtained through the Speakeasy Toastmasters club.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 29th April at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, April 15, 2004
15 April
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
More Tall Tales
In addition to speeches and Tall Tales there was, as usual, a very lively Topics session at the last Speakeasy Toastmasters meeting. The Topics master for the night was Michael Dineen who did a great job introducing topics designed to get people on their feet and talking. The topics were on very mixed subjects including, the rights and wrongs of the proposed visit of President Bush to Ireland, the final episode of ‘Sex and the City’, and penalty points.
Congratulations again to both Michael Walsh and Brian McLoughlin who won first and second place at the club Tall Tales contest held during our last meeting. Michael will be competing in the Area final of the Tall Tales contest to be held during our next meeting on Thursday, 15th April. This would be a terrific night to come along to a Speakeasy Toastmasters meeting as a guest and enjoy Michael’s hugely entertaining speech. All of the Tall Tales are certain to very humorous and well worth hearing.
Note for your diary: The newly formed Killarney Toastmasters Club is hosting its Charter Dinner in the Castle Ross Hotel, Killarney, on the 30th April. The start up of any new club is exciting and everyone is welcome to come along and help celebrate the occasion. For those Mallow people who are interested in attending, tickets can be obtained through the Speakeasy Toastmasters club.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 15th April at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
More Tall Tales
In addition to speeches and Tall Tales there was, as usual, a very lively Topics session at the last Speakeasy Toastmasters meeting. The Topics master for the night was Michael Dineen who did a great job introducing topics designed to get people on their feet and talking. The topics were on very mixed subjects including, the rights and wrongs of the proposed visit of President Bush to Ireland, the final episode of ‘Sex and the City’, and penalty points.
Congratulations again to both Michael Walsh and Brian McLoughlin who won first and second place at the club Tall Tales contest held during our last meeting. Michael will be competing in the Area final of the Tall Tales contest to be held during our next meeting on Thursday, 15th April. This would be a terrific night to come along to a Speakeasy Toastmasters meeting as a guest and enjoy Michael’s hugely entertaining speech. All of the Tall Tales are certain to very humorous and well worth hearing.
Note for your diary: The newly formed Killarney Toastmasters Club is hosting its Charter Dinner in the Castle Ross Hotel, Killarney, on the 30th April. The start up of any new club is exciting and everyone is welcome to come along and help celebrate the occasion. For those Mallow people who are interested in attending, tickets can be obtained through the Speakeasy Toastmasters club.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 15th April at 8:00pm and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, April 08, 2004
8 April
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
The Tallest of Tall Tales
Last Thursday’s meeting fell in two halves, with the first part consisting of three fine speeches and the second part made up of a highly entertaining Tall Tales contest. John Dillon gave a very interesting and informative speech entitled ‘Here’s looking at you baby’ which described the history of photography. John made very good use of his props which included one of the very first photos ever taken and a series of old and new cameras. The speech was evaluated by Angela Sheehan. Dermot Meaney had everyone’s attention from the start with a reading from that great book about the life of a country vet ‘It shouldn’t happen to a vet’. And of course it did happen to James Herriot and everyone enjoyed hearing about his adventures (and misadventures). Michael Donegan evaluated this speech. Participation was the subject of Mary Buckley’s speech this evening. In this speech Mary outlined the ways in which members of Toastmasters can improve themselves and the club by participating as fully as possible in the speech programmes, as officers of the club, by encouraging other members and guests, and by promoting the club in the wider community.
The Tall Tales contest attracted six contestants with six very different but equally improbable tales. Every element of a ‘Tall Tale’ was displayed including exaggeration, irony, pun, surprise twists, humour, and slapstick comedy and so on. Jerry Mulcahy was the first contestant and he described the events which occurred, leading up to and during ‘The Night’, when people got together in days gone by, to bid farewell to a departing relative or friend. It’s amazing what people will eat and drink and even more astonishing is the end result! John Dillon told us why ‘The cat wore a watch’. It was hard to believe so it had to be true. Another story which was definitely not true (or was it?) was Brian McLoughlin’s ‘In bed with Madonna’ - a real gentleman would never tell. Brian’s speech came second in the contest. Sean Corcoran spun a very clever tale about the ‘People of Danan’ who were up there with the Fianna. I’d be inclined to believe they once existed if I could just locate the ‘Bleakwater River’. Eugene O’ Connell described the events which lead up to the newspaper headlines ‘A hero fly’s home’. As luck would have it, a farmer, returning home from holiday, firstly gets mistaken for a doctor (as a result of the stethoscope around his neck) and then discovers he can in fact fly a jumbo (as a result of learning off the wrong manual) and who saves the day by fortunately having a nice soft spot in his own farm on which to execute an emergency landing! It’s true. ‘Would you believe’ asked Michael Walsh. And you wouldn’t, you really wouldn’t. Michael won first place in the contest with his speech and as a result will deliver this hilarious speech again during Area Tall Tales contest to be held during our next meeting on the 15th April. Come along and enjoy all of the Tall Tales to be told by the winners of all the clubs in the area.
Congratulations to both Michael Walsh and Brian McLoughlin.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 15th April and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
The Tallest of Tall Tales
Last Thursday’s meeting fell in two halves, with the first part consisting of three fine speeches and the second part made up of a highly entertaining Tall Tales contest. John Dillon gave a very interesting and informative speech entitled ‘Here’s looking at you baby’ which described the history of photography. John made very good use of his props which included one of the very first photos ever taken and a series of old and new cameras. The speech was evaluated by Angela Sheehan. Dermot Meaney had everyone’s attention from the start with a reading from that great book about the life of a country vet ‘It shouldn’t happen to a vet’. And of course it did happen to James Herriot and everyone enjoyed hearing about his adventures (and misadventures). Michael Donegan evaluated this speech. Participation was the subject of Mary Buckley’s speech this evening. In this speech Mary outlined the ways in which members of Toastmasters can improve themselves and the club by participating as fully as possible in the speech programmes, as officers of the club, by encouraging other members and guests, and by promoting the club in the wider community.
The Tall Tales contest attracted six contestants with six very different but equally improbable tales. Every element of a ‘Tall Tale’ was displayed including exaggeration, irony, pun, surprise twists, humour, and slapstick comedy and so on. Jerry Mulcahy was the first contestant and he described the events which occurred, leading up to and during ‘The Night’, when people got together in days gone by, to bid farewell to a departing relative or friend. It’s amazing what people will eat and drink and even more astonishing is the end result! John Dillon told us why ‘The cat wore a watch’. It was hard to believe so it had to be true. Another story which was definitely not true (or was it?) was Brian McLoughlin’s ‘In bed with Madonna’ - a real gentleman would never tell. Brian’s speech came second in the contest. Sean Corcoran spun a very clever tale about the ‘People of Danan’ who were up there with the Fianna. I’d be inclined to believe they once existed if I could just locate the ‘Bleakwater River’. Eugene O’ Connell described the events which lead up to the newspaper headlines ‘A hero fly’s home’. As luck would have it, a farmer, returning home from holiday, firstly gets mistaken for a doctor (as a result of the stethoscope around his neck) and then discovers he can in fact fly a jumbo (as a result of learning off the wrong manual) and who saves the day by fortunately having a nice soft spot in his own farm on which to execute an emergency landing! It’s true. ‘Would you believe’ asked Michael Walsh. And you wouldn’t, you really wouldn’t. Michael won first place in the contest with his speech and as a result will deliver this hilarious speech again during Area Tall Tales contest to be held during our next meeting on the 15th April. Come along and enjoy all of the Tall Tales to be told by the winners of all the clubs in the area.
Congratulations to both Michael Walsh and Brian McLoughlin.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 15th April and we ask everyone attending to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, April 01, 2004
01 April
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
The Tallest of Tall Tales
Last Thursday’s meeting fell in two halves, with the first part consisting of three fine speeches and the second part made up of a highly entertaining Tall Tales contest. John Dillon gave a very interesting and informative speech entitled ‘Here’s looking at you baby’ which described the history of photography. John made very good use of his props which included one of the very first photos ever taken and a series of old and new cameras. The speech was evaluated by Angela Sheehan. Dermot Meaney had everyone’s attention from the start with a reading from that great book about the life of a country vet ‘It shouldn’t happen to a vet’. And of course it did happen to James Herriot and everyone enjoyed hearing about his adventures (and misadventures). Michael Donegan evaluated this speech. Participation was the subject of Mary Buckley’s speech this evening. In this speech Mary outlined the ways in which members of Toastmasters can improve themselves and the club by participating as fully as possible in the speech programmes, as officers of the club, by encouraging other members and guests, and by promoting the club in the wider community.
The Tall Tales contest attracted six contestants with six very different but equally improbable tales. Every element of a ‘Tall Tale’ was displayed including exaggeration, irony, pun, surprise twists, humour, slapstick comedy and so on. Jerry Mulcahy was the first contestant and he described the events which occurred leading up to and during ‘The Night’, when people got together to bid farewell to a departing relative or friend. It’s amazing what people will eat and drink and even more astonishing is the end result! John Dillon told us why ‘The cat wore a watch’. It was hard to believe so it had to be true. Another story which was definitely not true (or was it?) was Brian McLoughlin’s ‘In bed with Madonna’ - a real gentleman would never tell. Sean Corcoran spun a very clever tale about the ‘People of Danan’ who were up there with the Fianna. I’d be inclined to believe they once existed if I could just locate the ‘Bleakwater river’. Eugene O’ Connell described the events which lead up to the newspaper headlines ‘A hero flies home’ which involved a farmer turned doctor turned airplane pilot who saves the day by finding a nice soft spot in his own farm on which to execute an emergency landing.
We ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
The Tallest of Tall Tales
Last Thursday’s meeting fell in two halves, with the first part consisting of three fine speeches and the second part made up of a highly entertaining Tall Tales contest. John Dillon gave a very interesting and informative speech entitled ‘Here’s looking at you baby’ which described the history of photography. John made very good use of his props which included one of the very first photos ever taken and a series of old and new cameras. The speech was evaluated by Angela Sheehan. Dermot Meaney had everyone’s attention from the start with a reading from that great book about the life of a country vet ‘It shouldn’t happen to a vet’. And of course it did happen to James Herriot and everyone enjoyed hearing about his adventures (and misadventures). Michael Donegan evaluated this speech. Participation was the subject of Mary Buckley’s speech this evening. In this speech Mary outlined the ways in which members of Toastmasters can improve themselves and the club by participating as fully as possible in the speech programmes, as officers of the club, by encouraging other members and guests, and by promoting the club in the wider community.
The Tall Tales contest attracted six contestants with six very different but equally improbable tales. Every element of a ‘Tall Tale’ was displayed including exaggeration, irony, pun, surprise twists, humour, slapstick comedy and so on. Jerry Mulcahy was the first contestant and he described the events which occurred leading up to and during ‘The Night’, when people got together to bid farewell to a departing relative or friend. It’s amazing what people will eat and drink and even more astonishing is the end result! John Dillon told us why ‘The cat wore a watch’. It was hard to believe so it had to be true. Another story which was definitely not true (or was it?) was Brian McLoughlin’s ‘In bed with Madonna’ - a real gentleman would never tell. Sean Corcoran spun a very clever tale about the ‘People of Danan’ who were up there with the Fianna. I’d be inclined to believe they once existed if I could just locate the ‘Bleakwater river’. Eugene O’ Connell described the events which lead up to the newspaper headlines ‘A hero flies home’ which involved a farmer turned doctor turned airplane pilot who saves the day by finding a nice soft spot in his own farm on which to execute an emergency landing.
We ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
12 March
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
Two break the ice
It’s always a very special occasion when a member delivers their first speech at a Toastmasters meeting. Last Thursday night was doubly special when two members ‘broke the ice’ and treated the members and guests to two wonderful speeches. First to speak was Denise O’ Callaghan, with a speech entitled ‘Here at last’ who took the scenic route to Speakeasy meetings; originating in Kinsale, and on to Mallow via Rockchapel and Tralee. She described her attendance at Toastmasters meeting as either total commitment or total madness, and whichever it is, we hope that it keeps driving her to the meetings – we want to hear more. Denise’s speech was evaluated by Mary Stack. ‘Birthday wishes’ was the title of the second ‘Icebreaker’ of the night, and was delivered by Paula Lane, and evaluated by Tony O’ Regan. This was another very entertaining speech and described Paula’s first encounter with Speakeasy when she sorted out the heating problems. We look forward to hearing much more about Paula’s many travels in future speeches. Gerry Kelleher delivered the next speech, ‘Never too late’, in which he described how those who are responsible for children might abuse their position of authority and offer humiliation and discouragement, instead of praise and encouragement. As Gerry demonstrated though, it’s never too late to do something about it. Gerry’s speech was evaluated by Joan Linehan. In the next speech Mary Buckley described the history and present usage of a single alternative to the many hundreds of drugs available to us today, which is often described as a ‘First Aid kit in a bottle’. The objective of this speech was to ‘sell a product’ and was as such a sales presentation. I think Mary convinced everyone present that Tea Tree oil is a powerful and wide ranging treatment with very many applications. Tim Ahern evaluated Mary’s speech. The final speech of the evening was delivered by Barry McCarthy with an interpretive reading of a short story entitled ‘Spanish Silk’. Everyone was drawn into this fascinating, sensual tale of obsessive love which was set in Argentina and was woven around a set of red silk undergarments. We were all spellbound and left wondering at its dramatic conclusion. The speech was evaluated by Pat Sexton.
The club will host a Tall Tales contest at our next meeting which is on Thursday, 1st April which will start at 8:00 pm. This promises to be a very entertaining night and as usual guests are very welcome to attend. We ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Two break the ice
It’s always a very special occasion when a member delivers their first speech at a Toastmasters meeting. Last Thursday night was doubly special when two members ‘broke the ice’ and treated the members and guests to two wonderful speeches. First to speak was Denise O’ Callaghan, with a speech entitled ‘Here at last’ who took the scenic route to Speakeasy meetings; originating in Kinsale, and on to Mallow via Rockchapel and Tralee. She described her attendance at Toastmasters meeting as either total commitment or total madness, and whichever it is, we hope that it keeps driving her to the meetings – we want to hear more. Denise’s speech was evaluated by Mary Stack. ‘Birthday wishes’ was the title of the second ‘Icebreaker’ of the night, and was delivered by Paula Lane, and evaluated by Tony O’ Regan. This was another very entertaining speech and described Paula’s first encounter with Speakeasy when she sorted out the heating problems. We look forward to hearing much more about Paula’s many travels in future speeches. Gerry Kelleher delivered the next speech, ‘Never too late’, in which he described how those who are responsible for children might abuse their position of authority and offer humiliation and discouragement, instead of praise and encouragement. As Gerry demonstrated though, it’s never too late to do something about it. Gerry’s speech was evaluated by Joan Linehan. In the next speech Mary Buckley described the history and present usage of a single alternative to the many hundreds of drugs available to us today, which is often described as a ‘First Aid kit in a bottle’. The objective of this speech was to ‘sell a product’ and was as such a sales presentation. I think Mary convinced everyone present that Tea Tree oil is a powerful and wide ranging treatment with very many applications. Tim Ahern evaluated Mary’s speech. The final speech of the evening was delivered by Barry McCarthy with an interpretive reading of a short story entitled ‘Spanish Silk’. Everyone was drawn into this fascinating, sensual tale of obsessive love which was set in Argentina and was woven around a set of red silk undergarments. We were all spellbound and left wondering at its dramatic conclusion. The speech was evaluated by Pat Sexton.
The club will host a Tall Tales contest at our next meeting which is on Thursday, 1st April which will start at 8:00 pm. This promises to be a very entertaining night and as usual guests are very welcome to attend. We ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, March 18, 2004
18 March
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
Two break the ice
It’s always a very special occasion when a member delivers their first speech at a Toastmasters meeting. Last Thursday night was doubly special when two members ‘broke the ice’ and treated the members and guests to two wonderful speeches. First to speak was Denise O’ Callaghan, with a speech entitled ‘Here at last’ who took the scenic route to Speakeasy meetings; originating in Kinsale, and on to Mallow via Rockchapel and Tralee. She described her attendance at Toastmasters meeting as either total commitment or total madness, and whichever it is, we hope that it keeps driving her to the meetings. Denise’s speech was evaluated by Mary Stack. ‘Birthday wishes’ was the title of the second ‘Icebreaker’ of the night, and was delivered by Paula Lane, and evaluated by Tony O’ Regan. This was another very entertaining speech and described Paula’s first encounter with Speakeasy when she sorted out the heating problems. We look forward to hearing much more about Paula’s many travels in future speeches. Gerry Kelleher delivered the next speech, ‘Never too late’, in which he described how those who are responsible for children might abuse their position of authority and offer humiliation and discouragement, instead of praise and encouragement. As Gerry demonstrated though, it’s never too late to do something about it. Gerry’s speech was evaluated by Joan Linehan.
Division A International Speech and Evaluation contests; April 24th.
The club will host a Tall Tales contest at our next meeting which is on Thursday, 1st April which will start at 8:00 pm. This promises to be a very entertaining night and as usual guests are very welcome to attend. We ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Two break the ice
It’s always a very special occasion when a member delivers their first speech at a Toastmasters meeting. Last Thursday night was doubly special when two members ‘broke the ice’ and treated the members and guests to two wonderful speeches. First to speak was Denise O’ Callaghan, with a speech entitled ‘Here at last’ who took the scenic route to Speakeasy meetings; originating in Kinsale, and on to Mallow via Rockchapel and Tralee. She described her attendance at Toastmasters meeting as either total commitment or total madness, and whichever it is, we hope that it keeps driving her to the meetings. Denise’s speech was evaluated by Mary Stack. ‘Birthday wishes’ was the title of the second ‘Icebreaker’ of the night, and was delivered by Paula Lane, and evaluated by Tony O’ Regan. This was another very entertaining speech and described Paula’s first encounter with Speakeasy when she sorted out the heating problems. We look forward to hearing much more about Paula’s many travels in future speeches. Gerry Kelleher delivered the next speech, ‘Never too late’, in which he described how those who are responsible for children might abuse their position of authority and offer humiliation and discouragement, instead of praise and encouragement. As Gerry demonstrated though, it’s never too late to do something about it. Gerry’s speech was evaluated by Joan Linehan.
Division A International Speech and Evaluation contests; April 24th.
The club will host a Tall Tales contest at our next meeting which is on Thursday, 1st April which will start at 8:00 pm. This promises to be a very entertaining night and as usual guests are very welcome to attend. We ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, March 11, 2004
11 March
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
Club International Speech Contest
The club’s speech contest was held last Thursday night, 4th March, with a large gathering of members and guests in attendance. The contest commenced with a speech delivered by Elizabeth O’ Brien entitled ‘Some mother’s son’ – the story of how a mother chose to carry out the final, desperate request of her young son who wanted to die rather than face a hopeless, helpless life. The second speech of the night came from Gerry Kelleher and described the wonderful ‘Kate Lynch’, a born storyteller, who was an inspiration to all who really knew her. In a speech called ‘The little engine that could’, Dierdre Linehan inspired us all with a very thought-provoking speech about the importance of encouragement and praise to the self esteem of children. On a somewhat similar theme, the next speech, ‘A sporting chance’, by Angela Sheehan, described the importance of physical activity and sports participation in preventing overweight and obesity in children while nurturing positive self-esteem and healthy social, moral and physical development. Brian McLoughlin surprised all present with a speech entitled ‘Just shopping’ which was not quite what was expected from the title. If you can imagine a tale about the mystique and mystery surrounding the ordinary act of shopping (by women), which transcends the ordinary and brings about a self-awareness and empowerment which might ordinarily be brought about only by meditation – or something like that! The audience was taken back to ‘The war years’ by Vivien Buckley who described life for a young woman in the preparation and training for active duty, and her time entertaining the troops. While it was a terrible time there were moments of humour, excitement and fun in amongst the terror and fear for self and family. The final speech of the contest came from Ray Ryan entitled ‘My best friend’, which was about a man describing another man whom he met in 1905, and with whom he shared a love of music. They moved to Vienna to study music and fine arts and shared some interesting times and many a discussion about music, architecture and politics. Finally, at the end of the speech Ray identified ‘his’ best friend - as Adolf Hitler!
First place in the speech contest went to Dierdre Linehan with Ray Ryan in second place. Congratulations to both and the very best of luck in the Area Final to be held in Charleville on 20th March.
As usual, guests are very welcome to attend our next meeting on 18th March, which will start at 8:00 pm. We ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Club International Speech Contest
The club’s speech contest was held last Thursday night, 4th March, with a large gathering of members and guests in attendance. The contest commenced with a speech delivered by Elizabeth O’ Brien entitled ‘Some mother’s son’ – the story of how a mother chose to carry out the final, desperate request of her young son who wanted to die rather than face a hopeless, helpless life. The second speech of the night came from Gerry Kelleher and described the wonderful ‘Kate Lynch’, a born storyteller, who was an inspiration to all who really knew her. In a speech called ‘The little engine that could’, Dierdre Linehan inspired us all with a very thought-provoking speech about the importance of encouragement and praise to the self esteem of children. On a somewhat similar theme, the next speech, ‘A sporting chance’, by Angela Sheehan, described the importance of physical activity and sports participation in preventing overweight and obesity in children while nurturing positive self-esteem and healthy social, moral and physical development. Brian McLoughlin surprised all present with a speech entitled ‘Just shopping’ which was not quite what was expected from the title. If you can imagine a tale about the mystique and mystery surrounding the ordinary act of shopping (by women), which transcends the ordinary and brings about a self-awareness and empowerment which might ordinarily be brought about only by meditation – or something like that! The audience was taken back to ‘The war years’ by Vivien Buckley who described life for a young woman in the preparation and training for active duty, and her time entertaining the troops. While it was a terrible time there were moments of humour, excitement and fun in amongst the terror and fear for self and family. The final speech of the contest came from Ray Ryan entitled ‘My best friend’, which was about a man describing another man whom he met in 1905, and with whom he shared a love of music. They moved to Vienna to study music and fine arts and shared some interesting times and many a discussion about music, architecture and politics. Finally, at the end of the speech Ray identified ‘his’ best friend - as Adolf Hitler!
First place in the speech contest went to Dierdre Linehan with Ray Ryan in second place. Congratulations to both and the very best of luck in the Area Final to be held in Charleville on 20th March.
As usual, guests are very welcome to attend our next meeting on 18th March, which will start at 8:00 pm. We ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, March 04, 2004
4 March
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
Evaluation contest winners
The club Evaluation contest was held at the last meeting on 19th February and there was a fine turnout of 7 contestants. In this contest a single speech is delivered and each contestant comes forward in turn to give an evaluation of that speech. On this occasion the speech was delivered by Paddy Lynch, a member of the new Muskerry club in Macroom, and was entitled ‘Can I play too?’ Similarly to an evaluation given during a regular meeting, a speech is evaluated in an Evaluation contest in terms of its content and delivery. Each contestant strives to give a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of the speech and typically will provide some constructive criticism and advise also. Following 7 excellent evaluations, the judging panel awarded first place to Michael Cronin and second place to Pat Sexton. Well done lads!
The Topics session on the night of the 19th February was conducted by Tony O’ Regan and as usual was a great success, getting many members and guests on their feet, talking, and entertaining all present. Members and guests discussed electronic voting, the celebrity’s right to privacy and whether or not nice guys always come last. Tony introduced a little bit of role playing and asked two members to act as the defiant smoker (Jerry Mulcahy) in the bar (after the ban) and the inspector (Mary Stack) who must get him to stop breaking the law.
The club is hosting the Club International Speech contest at the next meeting on Thursday, 4th March. As usual, guests are very welcome to attend the meeting which will start at 8:00 pm. We ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Evaluation contest winners
The club Evaluation contest was held at the last meeting on 19th February and there was a fine turnout of 7 contestants. In this contest a single speech is delivered and each contestant comes forward in turn to give an evaluation of that speech. On this occasion the speech was delivered by Paddy Lynch, a member of the new Muskerry club in Macroom, and was entitled ‘Can I play too?’ Similarly to an evaluation given during a regular meeting, a speech is evaluated in an Evaluation contest in terms of its content and delivery. Each contestant strives to give a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of the speech and typically will provide some constructive criticism and advise also. Following 7 excellent evaluations, the judging panel awarded first place to Michael Cronin and second place to Pat Sexton. Well done lads!
The Topics session on the night of the 19th February was conducted by Tony O’ Regan and as usual was a great success, getting many members and guests on their feet, talking, and entertaining all present. Members and guests discussed electronic voting, the celebrity’s right to privacy and whether or not nice guys always come last. Tony introduced a little bit of role playing and asked two members to act as the defiant smoker (Jerry Mulcahy) in the bar (after the ban) and the inspector (Mary Stack) who must get him to stop breaking the law.
The club is hosting the Club International Speech contest at the next meeting on Thursday, 4th March. As usual, guests are very welcome to attend the meeting which will start at 8:00 pm. We ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, February 26, 2004
26 Feb
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
Toastmasters meetings - a punishment?
Apparently some people come to Toastmasters meeting as a form of punishment – at least that was Ciara O’ Keefe’s reason for coming to her first meeting. In her first speech to the club, ‘The beginning of my downfall’, Ciara described how, as a result of behaviour at school (which was completely out of character!) she was required to attend Toastmasters meetings as a form of punishment. Fortunately, the prospect was appealing to her – after all it could have been much worse! Ciara’s speech was evaluated by Michael Cronin. We may have found a new means of increasing membership. John Dillon followed with a speech entitled ‘A man for all time’ in which gave he described the life and times of the great William Shakespeare. John painted a very eloquent picture of the exciting but dangerous times in which Shakespeare lived, and how this was reflected in the profound insights contained within his works, which are in fact relevant to all times, including our own. Brian McLoughlin evaluated John’s speech. The final speech of the evening came from Mary Buckley, entitled ‘Finding new members for your club’. New members are the most important members of any club and provide fresh new ideas, different personalities and different talents to the club. Welcoming and encouraging new members is the responsibility of every club member, and this can be done by a variety of means including talking about Toastmasters to friends and family and inviting them along to meetings. And we can’t forget the new method of recruitment introduced by Ciara tonight!
Note for your Diary: The club is hosting the Club International Speech contest at the next meeting on Thursday, 4th March. As usual, the meeting will start at 8:00 pm and we ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Toastmasters meetings - a punishment?
Apparently some people come to Toastmasters meeting as a form of punishment – at least that was Ciara O’ Keefe’s reason for coming to her first meeting. In her first speech to the club, ‘The beginning of my downfall’, Ciara described how, as a result of behaviour at school (which was completely out of character!) she was required to attend Toastmasters meetings as a form of punishment. Fortunately, the prospect was appealing to her – after all it could have been much worse! Ciara’s speech was evaluated by Michael Cronin. We may have found a new means of increasing membership. John Dillon followed with a speech entitled ‘A man for all time’ in which gave he described the life and times of the great William Shakespeare. John painted a very eloquent picture of the exciting but dangerous times in which Shakespeare lived, and how this was reflected in the profound insights contained within his works, which are in fact relevant to all times, including our own. Brian McLoughlin evaluated John’s speech. The final speech of the evening came from Mary Buckley, entitled ‘Finding new members for your club’. New members are the most important members of any club and provide fresh new ideas, different personalities and different talents to the club. Welcoming and encouraging new members is the responsibility of every club member, and this can be done by a variety of means including talking about Toastmasters to friends and family and inviting them along to meetings. And we can’t forget the new method of recruitment introduced by Ciara tonight!
Note for your Diary: The club is hosting the Club International Speech contest at the next meeting on Thursday, 4th March. As usual, the meeting will start at 8:00 pm and we ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, February 19, 2004
19 Feb
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
Topics and upcoming events
A lively and entertaining Topics session was held following five wonderful speeches on Thursday, 5th February, last. The man responsible for hosting the session was John Dillon whose topics were guaranteed a lively and spirited response. The Topics session allows people to ‘think on their feet’ by responding, unprepared, to topics delivered by the night’s Topic master. John asked first of all if picture messaging mobile phones should be banned from our schools. This was followed up by a brave choice of topic which was certain of a lively response – ‘are women, since Eve, always at fault?’ And then – ‘what do you suppose would be the conversation between Jackie Healey-Rae and the Queen if they were becalmed together off the Old Head of Kinsale?’ Topics became a little more serious when John asked if better use could have been made of the billions of dollars spent by the USA on the trip to mars, and, is the new book ‘PS I love you’, deserving of fame? Finally John got the farmers on their feet when he touched on the topic of allowing access onto farmland for walkers.
If you wish to learn more about what goes on at a Toastmaster meeting you can come along to the Community Celebration Day, being organised by Mallow’s RAPID group, on 21st February, to be held at the Hibernian hotel from 11:00. Speakeasy Toastmasters club members will be on hand to talk to any interested individuals about the club’s activities. In addition, club president Pat Duggan will give a talk about Toastmasters, at 4:30pm in Room 2, upstairs in the hotel.
Other dates for your diary;
The club will be hosting its annual Evaluation contest and along with the usual programme of terrific speeches we ask you to join us at our next meeting on Thursday, 19th February. The meeting will start at 8:00 pm and we ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Following that there will be the Club International Speech contest on March 4th, and the Area 17 International Speech & Evaluation Contests on March 20th, which will be held in Charleville. The Club Tall Tales contest will be held on April 1st.
Topics and upcoming events
A lively and entertaining Topics session was held following five wonderful speeches on Thursday, 5th February, last. The man responsible for hosting the session was John Dillon whose topics were guaranteed a lively and spirited response. The Topics session allows people to ‘think on their feet’ by responding, unprepared, to topics delivered by the night’s Topic master. John asked first of all if picture messaging mobile phones should be banned from our schools. This was followed up by a brave choice of topic which was certain of a lively response – ‘are women, since Eve, always at fault?’ And then – ‘what do you suppose would be the conversation between Jackie Healey-Rae and the Queen if they were becalmed together off the Old Head of Kinsale?’ Topics became a little more serious when John asked if better use could have been made of the billions of dollars spent by the USA on the trip to mars, and, is the new book ‘PS I love you’, deserving of fame? Finally John got the farmers on their feet when he touched on the topic of allowing access onto farmland for walkers.
If you wish to learn more about what goes on at a Toastmaster meeting you can come along to the Community Celebration Day, being organised by Mallow’s RAPID group, on 21st February, to be held at the Hibernian hotel from 11:00. Speakeasy Toastmasters club members will be on hand to talk to any interested individuals about the club’s activities. In addition, club president Pat Duggan will give a talk about Toastmasters, at 4:30pm in Room 2, upstairs in the hotel.
Other dates for your diary;
The club will be hosting its annual Evaluation contest and along with the usual programme of terrific speeches we ask you to join us at our next meeting on Thursday, 19th February. The meeting will start at 8:00 pm and we ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Following that there will be the Club International Speech contest on March 4th, and the Area 17 International Speech & Evaluation Contests on March 20th, which will be held in Charleville. The Club Tall Tales contest will be held on April 1st.
Thursday, February 12, 2004
12 Feb
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
Notes for 12th February, 2004
The meeting last Thursday evening began with a very entertaining speech by Michael Dineen entitled ‘Gone in 60 seconds’ which described how he left his ‘provisional’ behind and, with the help of a small blue ford tractor, managed to get a ‘full Irish’ driver’s licence. Now it might have been just an old small tractor but in many ways it showed the form of a true thoroughbred, especially in a runaway situation, where it was ‘gone in 60 seconds’. Michael’s speech was evaluated by Ray Ryan. Next up was Gerry Kelleher who shared with us the very heart-warming story of the life of ‘Kate Lynch’. Born in 1900, she experienced her fair share of loss and hard times early in life, but managed to maintain a very positive outlook on life and was wise enough to understand the important things in life. I think, last Thursday evening, we all could hear her hearty laugh, as it was described by Gerry. Eileen Corkery evaluated Gerry’s speech. Elizabeth O Brien used the wonderful words of the reading from scripture, which begins ‘Love is…’ to describe the patience, wisdom, kindness, thoughtfulness and unselfish nature of her late father. We heard about the love of her father for his family, for learning, for the land, and for life. Elizabeth’s speech was evaluated by Joan Lenihan. Michael Donegan gave a short speech in which he awarded a presentation. Now while the presentation was fictitious, Michael showed us how it should be done. This speech was evaluated by Pat Sexton. The final speech of the evening was delivered by Tony O’ Regan and was entitled, simply, ‘Helen’. This speech described another wonderful person, born in 1886, in North Cork this time. Helen suffered a series of very tragic losses before she finally immigrated to Chicago finding happiness and comfort there, having met and married a Limerick man. Helen lived to the great age of 99 but sadly she never returned to Ireland. Tony’s speech was evaluated by Vivienne Buckley.
Please join us at our next meeting on Thursday, 19th February. The meeting will start at 8:00 pm and we ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Notes for 12th February, 2004
The meeting last Thursday evening began with a very entertaining speech by Michael Dineen entitled ‘Gone in 60 seconds’ which described how he left his ‘provisional’ behind and, with the help of a small blue ford tractor, managed to get a ‘full Irish’ driver’s licence. Now it might have been just an old small tractor but in many ways it showed the form of a true thoroughbred, especially in a runaway situation, where it was ‘gone in 60 seconds’. Michael’s speech was evaluated by Ray Ryan. Next up was Gerry Kelleher who shared with us the very heart-warming story of the life of ‘Kate Lynch’. Born in 1900, she experienced her fair share of loss and hard times early in life, but managed to maintain a very positive outlook on life and was wise enough to understand the important things in life. I think, last Thursday evening, we all could hear her hearty laugh, as it was described by Gerry. Eileen Corkery evaluated Gerry’s speech. Elizabeth O Brien used the wonderful words of the reading from scripture, which begins ‘Love is…’ to describe the patience, wisdom, kindness, thoughtfulness and unselfish nature of her late father. We heard about the love of her father for his family, for learning, for the land, and for life. Elizabeth’s speech was evaluated by Joan Lenihan. Michael Donegan gave a short speech in which he awarded a presentation. Now while the presentation was fictitious, Michael showed us how it should be done. This speech was evaluated by Pat Sexton. The final speech of the evening was delivered by Tony O’ Regan and was entitled, simply, ‘Helen’. This speech described another wonderful person, born in 1886, in North Cork this time. Helen suffered a series of very tragic losses before she finally immigrated to Chicago finding happiness and comfort there, having met and married a Limerick man. Helen lived to the great age of 99 but sadly she never returned to Ireland. Tony’s speech was evaluated by Vivienne Buckley.
Please join us at our next meeting on Thursday, 19th February. The meeting will start at 8:00 pm and we ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, February 05, 2004
5 Feb
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
Notes for 5th February, 2004
On Thursday night last, Jerry Mulcahy took us with him on a trip out into the beautiful Black valley countryside where he explained we could find peace and quiet away from the stresses of our day to day lives. In a speech entitled ‘Simplicity’, Jerry suggested that we all need to look at our lifestyles and stop, relax, and enjoy the simple things of life, such as a walk in the evening in a quiet country place. Jerry’s wonderful speech was evaluated by Jeremiah Ronayne. The final speech of the evening was delivered by Michael Sexton simply entitled ‘The Dance’. I think all of us present were taken back in our minds to the time when we went to our first few dances or discos, and we were able to sympathise with Michael on the horrors but sometimes joy of those occasions. We are waiting for Michael to return with a follow up speech to describe what happened after the walk home, after all he left us hanging with the final words of the speech ‘would you like to come in’….
Toastmaster Anne Buckley took charge of the Topics session which followed and we all enjoyed a very diverse range of topics which included the pros and cons of Irish speaking schools, favourite forms of exercise, images that shaped us, and things we shouldn’t do! The response as always was very interesting, informative and entertaining, and as Sister Bernadette from Charleville demonstrated, there is always room for a song to enhance a topic. Well done to Anne Buckley on a very successful Topics session.
Please join us at our next meeting, on Thursday, 5th February. The meeting will start at 8:00 pm and we ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
I
Notes for 5th February, 2004
On Thursday night last, Jerry Mulcahy took us with him on a trip out into the beautiful Black valley countryside where he explained we could find peace and quiet away from the stresses of our day to day lives. In a speech entitled ‘Simplicity’, Jerry suggested that we all need to look at our lifestyles and stop, relax, and enjoy the simple things of life, such as a walk in the evening in a quiet country place. Jerry’s wonderful speech was evaluated by Jeremiah Ronayne. The final speech of the evening was delivered by Michael Sexton simply entitled ‘The Dance’. I think all of us present were taken back in our minds to the time when we went to our first few dances or discos, and we were able to sympathise with Michael on the horrors but sometimes joy of those occasions. We are waiting for Michael to return with a follow up speech to describe what happened after the walk home, after all he left us hanging with the final words of the speech ‘would you like to come in’….
Toastmaster Anne Buckley took charge of the Topics session which followed and we all enjoyed a very diverse range of topics which included the pros and cons of Irish speaking schools, favourite forms of exercise, images that shaped us, and things we shouldn’t do! The response as always was very interesting, informative and entertaining, and as Sister Bernadette from Charleville demonstrated, there is always room for a song to enhance a topic. Well done to Anne Buckley on a very successful Topics session.
Please join us at our next meeting, on Thursday, 5th February. The meeting will start at 8:00 pm and we ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
I
Thursday, January 29, 2004
29 Jan
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
International President visits Speakeasy
A very large gathering of toastmasters and guests from Mallow and all over the Cork and Limerick region were present last Thursday night to welcome Ted Corcoran, International president of Toastmasters. We were also very pleased to welcome the Area 17 Governor Margaret Moore, Division A Governor Michael O’ Sullivan and District Governor Jeremiah Ronayne to the Speakeasy Toastmasters club meeting.
Everyone enjoyed the programme of five very fine speeches followed by a most enjoyable topics session. The meeting began with a speech delivered by Ray Ryan, entitled ‘The Dual’ which described the events surrounding the dual successfully fought by Daniel O’ Connell around the time of the Catholic Emancipation movement. Ray gave us a wonderful insight into the politics and happenings of an event which happened at a very interesting period in times past. Irish history was never this exciting in school! Rita Foley evaluated Ray’s speech. The second speech entitled ’40 shades of green’ also had a strong Irish flavour, but was more geographical than historical in content. Mary Stack took us on a tour of Ireland and described the beautiful scenery available to us in this country. As Mary explained in her ever optimistic way, this scenery would be not be possible without all that rain, which continues to surprise us (but not the tourists) and catch us out without a coat or wellies for protection. Michael O’ Sullivan was the evaluator of this speech. The third speaker was Brian McLoughlin who is also a member of the Mullingar club and he gave a speech with the intriguing title ‘Inspire with caress’. Brian compared the leadership styles of two vastly different leaders, namely Jesus and Hitler, in order to demonstrate the benefits of allowing people to choose their own path, recognising their skills and abilities to do things right. Dermot Meaney evaluated this speech.
At the close of the meeting Ted Corcoran shared some insights with us on his step-by-step progression to the top role in Toastmasters. He also described the affinity that he feels towards Speakeasy Toastmasters and in particular the contribution of the club founder Pat Sexton towards Ted’s rise within Toastmasters International. In view of this contribution Ted presented Pat with a very special award which is given only by the International president of Toastmasters International. In conclusion the International President urged everyone to follow his example and ‘Take the next step’ upwards - in life, at home and in Toastmasters. There is no ceiling on what we can achieve except the ceiling we impose on ourselves.
Please join us at our next meeting on Thursday, 5th February. The meeting will start at 8:00 pm and we ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
International President visits Speakeasy
A very large gathering of toastmasters and guests from Mallow and all over the Cork and Limerick region were present last Thursday night to welcome Ted Corcoran, International president of Toastmasters. We were also very pleased to welcome the Area 17 Governor Margaret Moore, Division A Governor Michael O’ Sullivan and District Governor Jeremiah Ronayne to the Speakeasy Toastmasters club meeting.
Everyone enjoyed the programme of five very fine speeches followed by a most enjoyable topics session. The meeting began with a speech delivered by Ray Ryan, entitled ‘The Dual’ which described the events surrounding the dual successfully fought by Daniel O’ Connell around the time of the Catholic Emancipation movement. Ray gave us a wonderful insight into the politics and happenings of an event which happened at a very interesting period in times past. Irish history was never this exciting in school! Rita Foley evaluated Ray’s speech. The second speech entitled ’40 shades of green’ also had a strong Irish flavour, but was more geographical than historical in content. Mary Stack took us on a tour of Ireland and described the beautiful scenery available to us in this country. As Mary explained in her ever optimistic way, this scenery would be not be possible without all that rain, which continues to surprise us (but not the tourists) and catch us out without a coat or wellies for protection. Michael O’ Sullivan was the evaluator of this speech. The third speaker was Brian McLoughlin who is also a member of the Mullingar club and he gave a speech with the intriguing title ‘Inspire with caress’. Brian compared the leadership styles of two vastly different leaders, namely Jesus and Hitler, in order to demonstrate the benefits of allowing people to choose their own path, recognising their skills and abilities to do things right. Dermot Meaney evaluated this speech.
At the close of the meeting Ted Corcoran shared some insights with us on his step-by-step progression to the top role in Toastmasters. He also described the affinity that he feels towards Speakeasy Toastmasters and in particular the contribution of the club founder Pat Sexton towards Ted’s rise within Toastmasters International. In view of this contribution Ted presented Pat with a very special award which is given only by the International president of Toastmasters International. In conclusion the International President urged everyone to follow his example and ‘Take the next step’ upwards - in life, at home and in Toastmasters. There is no ceiling on what we can achieve except the ceiling we impose on ourselves.
Please join us at our next meeting on Thursday, 5th February. The meeting will start at 8:00 pm and we ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, January 22, 2004
22 Jan
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
Notes for 22nd January, 2004
Following five very entertaining speeches on the evening of Thursday 8th January, Kay Quirke, as Topicsmaster, provided us with a series of very interesting topics which received some very interesting responses! The topics included - snoring, new year’s resolutions, how to revive a drooping spirit, murder mystery weekends, sex changes, the sales, first class travel, parenthood, baking – which somehow led back to bachelorhood. As always the Topics session got a lot of people on their feet, talking ‘off the cuff’, providing a very enjoyable second half to the meeting.
At our next meeting (Thursday, 22nd Jan) we are particularly pleased to be welcoming a very important Toastmaster to Mallow. Mr Ted Corcoran is the current International President of Toastmasters, which means he is the head of the worldwide organisation. Mr Corcoran lives in Dublin where he works for Irish Railways as the manager of Safety and is a member of the Fingal Toastmasters club. He has been a very active and successful member of Toastmasters as well as having contributed much of his energy towards other organisations such as Rotary and the Institute of Transport & Logistics and Irish Marketing Institute. We are very much looking forward to meeting him.
Please join us at our next meeting on Thursday, 22nd January. We would be delighted if as many of you as possible came along to welcome our very special guest, Mr Ted Corcoran. The meeting will start at 8:00 pm and we ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Notes for 22nd January, 2004
Following five very entertaining speeches on the evening of Thursday 8th January, Kay Quirke, as Topicsmaster, provided us with a series of very interesting topics which received some very interesting responses! The topics included - snoring, new year’s resolutions, how to revive a drooping spirit, murder mystery weekends, sex changes, the sales, first class travel, parenthood, baking – which somehow led back to bachelorhood. As always the Topics session got a lot of people on their feet, talking ‘off the cuff’, providing a very enjoyable second half to the meeting.
At our next meeting (Thursday, 22nd Jan) we are particularly pleased to be welcoming a very important Toastmaster to Mallow. Mr Ted Corcoran is the current International President of Toastmasters, which means he is the head of the worldwide organisation. Mr Corcoran lives in Dublin where he works for Irish Railways as the manager of Safety and is a member of the Fingal Toastmasters club. He has been a very active and successful member of Toastmasters as well as having contributed much of his energy towards other organisations such as Rotary and the Institute of Transport & Logistics and Irish Marketing Institute. We are very much looking forward to meeting him.
Please join us at our next meeting on Thursday, 22nd January. We would be delighted if as many of you as possible came along to welcome our very special guest, Mr Ted Corcoran. The meeting will start at 8:00 pm and we ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
Thursday, January 15, 2004
15 Jan
Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow
A terrific start to 2004
The first meeting of 2004 began with a hugely entertaining speech from Dierdre Linehan entitled ‘A morning from hell’, which described how things can go badly wrong when you are trying to take care of two very small babies and a couple of mad toddlers. We heard about the enforced trip to the supermarket where the toddlers took off in separate directions (of course), the return home in time to save the pet rabbit from the claws of next door’s cat, whilst trying to feed bottles to the roaring, hiccupping, sweat faced, red faced babies. John Dillon evaluated Dierdre’s speech which was followed by a speech from John Murphy, entitled, intriguingly, ‘One mud pie too many saved the day’. When John was ten, he and his brothers were sent off with their father and uncle to cut up and move a massive, 80 ft tree that was blocking a local farmer’s gate. The huge crater that had been left behind by the roots, which themselves spanned 30 ft, was the obvious spot for the boys to play and create the mudpies which were then launched at the dad and uncle. This continued until poor uncle Mikey got one full in the face and the boys were left at home in disgrace at lunchtime – no more mudpies. But it might have been no more boys as it turned out because once the top 10 ft of tree had been cut away after lunch, the rest of the tree suddenly righted itself back into it’s original position within the boy’s ‘mudpie’ crater! Micheal Dineen evaluated this factual tall tale. Michael Cronin was required to respond to the (fictitious) award he had been presented with by Sean Corcoran i.e. the ‘Speakeasy Bachelor of the year’ award. He described his best efforts to avoid being eligible for the award again this year, but thanked the ladies who made it possible. The speech was evaluated by Fiona Herbert. In his speech this evening, Jeremiah Ronayne made a toast to the New Year and our resolutions. His advice was to set modest tasks and work towards goals one small step at a time. Noel O’ Connor evaluated Jeremiah’s speech. The final speech of the evening came from Pat Sexton who set the scene in 1986 and established himself as the banker trying to sell us, the bank’s customer’s, some very interesting and lucrative investment opportunities which included offshore accounts and non-resident accounts. We would of course clean up by avoiding DIRT payments! This speech was evaluated by Kieran Buckley.
Our next meeting is on Thursday, 22nd January and we will be delighted to welcome a very special guest to the club on that night…...Mr. Ted Corcoran who is the current International President of Toastmasters International will be visiting us and we would be delighted to see as many members and guests as possible on this occasion.
The meeting will start at 8:00 pm, as usual and we ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
A terrific start to 2004
The first meeting of 2004 began with a hugely entertaining speech from Dierdre Linehan entitled ‘A morning from hell’, which described how things can go badly wrong when you are trying to take care of two very small babies and a couple of mad toddlers. We heard about the enforced trip to the supermarket where the toddlers took off in separate directions (of course), the return home in time to save the pet rabbit from the claws of next door’s cat, whilst trying to feed bottles to the roaring, hiccupping, sweat faced, red faced babies. John Dillon evaluated Dierdre’s speech which was followed by a speech from John Murphy, entitled, intriguingly, ‘One mud pie too many saved the day’. When John was ten, he and his brothers were sent off with their father and uncle to cut up and move a massive, 80 ft tree that was blocking a local farmer’s gate. The huge crater that had been left behind by the roots, which themselves spanned 30 ft, was the obvious spot for the boys to play and create the mudpies which were then launched at the dad and uncle. This continued until poor uncle Mikey got one full in the face and the boys were left at home in disgrace at lunchtime – no more mudpies. But it might have been no more boys as it turned out because once the top 10 ft of tree had been cut away after lunch, the rest of the tree suddenly righted itself back into it’s original position within the boy’s ‘mudpie’ crater! Micheal Dineen evaluated this factual tall tale. Michael Cronin was required to respond to the (fictitious) award he had been presented with by Sean Corcoran i.e. the ‘Speakeasy Bachelor of the year’ award. He described his best efforts to avoid being eligible for the award again this year, but thanked the ladies who made it possible. The speech was evaluated by Fiona Herbert. In his speech this evening, Jeremiah Ronayne made a toast to the New Year and our resolutions. His advice was to set modest tasks and work towards goals one small step at a time. Noel O’ Connor evaluated Jeremiah’s speech. The final speech of the evening came from Pat Sexton who set the scene in 1986 and established himself as the banker trying to sell us, the bank’s customer’s, some very interesting and lucrative investment opportunities which included offshore accounts and non-resident accounts. We would of course clean up by avoiding DIRT payments! This speech was evaluated by Kieran Buckley.
Our next meeting is on Thursday, 22nd January and we will be delighted to welcome a very special guest to the club on that night…...Mr. Ted Corcoran who is the current International President of Toastmasters International will be visiting us and we would be delighted to see as many members and guests as possible on this occasion.
The meeting will start at 8:00 pm, as usual and we ask everyone to be at The Hibernian Hotel (Chapel Lane) at 7:50 pm.
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