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.