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.