Friday, April 29, 2005
Division A Winners
Speakeasy Toastmasters on top again.
Deirdre Lenihan took the honours last Sunday night in winning the Division A
heat of Toastmasters International, International Speech Contest on Sunday
night 24'th of April at the Vienna Woods Hotel. This was Deirdre's second
time entering the contest and the second time winning it having come through
the Club and Area contests in the last few weeks.
Mary Stack also of Speakeasy Toastmasters and representing Area 11 was
runner up.
Pat Sexton won the Evaluation Contest on the same night in which
Toastmasters from all the Clubs in Cork and Kerry attended.
Deirdre and Pat will compete in the District 71(Ireland and UK) finals which
will be held in Bath over the weekend of May 13-15'th and will be one of
just 8 entrants in their respective contests which is a fantastic
achievement.
Speakeasy Toastmasters wish Deirdre and Pat the very best of luck.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Press Releases from VPPR John Dillon from Sept. 04 to April 04
We live and learn as times goes by. There are two clichés for the price of one. But we are near the end of the 2004-2205 Speakeasy year. Next meeting is the AGM April 28th. The night of the 14th kicked off with Noel O Connor as Topics - master dealing out questions about Rule 42. Or again questions that reduced a certain prince and his bride to figures of fun. Oh dear. Again, more seriously all welcomed the award gained by the Mallow Railway Station. So it went.
John Dillon spoke on Toastmasters Education Programme. Marie Fitzpatrick followed with a speech laced with humour as she ran a critical eye over eating out. She contrasted this with dining at home for value financially and gastronomically. She sold the idea that home cooking is best. Pat Sexton evaluated this speech giving it the praise it well deserved and making more puns than we had buns for tea.
Mary Buckley in her speech questioned the causes of increasing crime involving teenagers such as the reckless driving of stolen cars and robbery with violence. All the systems education, health, welfare and justices came in for scrutiny. And importantly parental control. Loretto Barry evaluated praising the depth and scope of this well delivered speech.
Mary Stack General Evaluator for the night gave a comprehensive review of the proceeding speaking highly of Toastmaster Anne Buckley's role. Ray Ryan was timekeeper and Sean Corcoran presided.
The Next meeting is on April 28th .Guest are always welcome.
Club Website www.speakeasytoastmasters .com
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Thursday night's Meeting March 31st was time for Tall Tales.
under Toastmaster for the night Pat Duggan
With spring in the air a little frivolity was not out of place.
Michael Cronin added to his growing reputation by winning again.
The night had events of a more serious nature as well. Pat Sexton conducted an informative educational session with enthusiasm described by his evaluator Margaret O'Regan as smooth and professional.
Sean Corcoran the President got off his chair to do some Interpretive Reading. This calls for elements of acting and voice variation to bring the words to life. Sean's contribution was astutely evaluated as being excellent and powerful by Kieran Buckley.
Loretto Barry was Topics-master. She had everyone worked up about mobiles phones being weapons of mass distraction and 'what about' smoking around pub doors. And the ever green topic what three items would you take to a desert island. Would a man and woman be one or two items someone asked? Topics sessions are mainly fun but often give indications of opinions and attitudes. It is said many truths are spoken in jest.
Mary Buckley general Evaluator and Chief Judge on the night accomplished both jobs in style.
Saturday Night 2nd April 05.
The Area Finals Speech and Evaluation Contests took place in the Garden Room of the Hibernian Hotel Saturday night. Representing Youghal was Tommy Collins with his unforgettable "Images of Auschwitz".
Joe O Connell for Fáilte ( Charleville) intrigued with Turkish Delight. Martin Walsh from Fermoy encouraged all to 'Break the Chains' while Deirdre Lenihan of Speak Easy charmed with her "Satin Slippers ". Deirdre Lenihan was the winner. The Evaluation Contest was based on a speech 'Are you Being Served?' from Paula Kelleher of Glanmire. Again all four clubs participated. Pat Sexton of Speak Easy was the winner.
Contest Chairperson for the night Anne Buckley ran the proceedings calmly and efficiently. Tony O Regan was chief judge and Sean Corcoran presided.
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Introduced by Toastmaster Margaret O Regan to give her 'Ice -Breaker Anne O Sullivan performed well in her first speech to the Club. She was given a warm welcome and reception.
Anne Buckley followed with a critical review of the value of organic and non organic foods comparing them both from a nutritional and cost point of view . This was a well researched and detailed speech. Then Michael Dineen told the story of John De Lorean and his cars and the rise and fall of this flamboyant man and how his golden and costly dreams crashed.
Loretto Barry's speech called for a dramatic speech and performance and this she achieved to the highest degree.
It was the eve of St.Patrick's Day and Topics Master Gerry O Callaghan did not let the occasion pass without making the most of it . His own humour stimulated humour all over the room.
President Sean Corcoran presided.
The next Meeting will be Thursday 31st March at the Hibernian Garden Room Mallow. Guest as always are very welcome . It is Tall Tales Contest Night . Be there at 8pm sharp.
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It was Speech Contest Night. March the 3rd
The contestants gave last glances at their written words as the preliminaries were sorted. Judges studied their rules. There were some Judges from other clubs.
There was a draw to see who went first second and on down the line. The entrants were to the last man and woman serious contenders. The Topics master Pat Duggan put a few light hearted questions to ease the tension.
Then the Contest Chair person Gerry Kelleher stood up and it started. Time keepers Margaret O Regan and Gerry O Callaghan were ready. The rules are strict on this occasion. After all the winner could be starting out on a road that would lead to Canada. This was the Start of an International Competition.
Very speech had humour, drama wisdom facts and exhortations.
The speakers gave of their best in ideas and in performance. They were actors they were demagouges; they pulled you into the world of their imaginations. Ray Ryan with his speech ‘Dreams’
Michael Cronin with his questions on ‘Who We Are’
Kieran Buckley beguiled you with his The Supreme Toastmaster who to him is Nelson Mandela and Sean Lynch told you how to turn negative to positive in his thoughtful and well illustrated On My Mothers Knee. Pat Sexton talked of the price that is paid for false perceptions of beauty in his speech Swans. He told us to celebrate life for what it is and not to allow images artificially created change attitudes.
Deirdre Linehan had a carefully crafted speech which extolled the rights of old age to the freedom of expression in speech and in dress .Pathos humour with an overall wrapping of kindness and wistfulness made this a winner. It was a very fine performance. They all were. So Deirdre was first and Pat Sexton second in what was one great night.
Pat Duggan and his Topics were outstanding. But the contest was the occasion .Tony O Regan was chief Judge and all was presided over by Sean Corcoran,
Our next Meeting is on the Wednesday the 16th March. Only Saint Patrick could move so from Thursday. Guests as always will be welcome on that Wednesday night.
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On Thursday night the 17th Toastmasters came down to earth after the highs of being on national television with an opening speech by Pat Duggan. Pat with paint brushes and wallpaper to hand gave valuable and practical advice on how to do it yourself. Dressed in a paint specked overalls he exuded confidence. Toastmaster in charge for the night assured Pat he would take all the advice home and pass it on to his wife.
Mary Stack gave time to compose and deliver a speech which pointed out how precious a thing time is and how good it is to share it with family, with friends and with the community. Getting and spending consumes time. Giving time to others is the greater gift.
Ger Guerin spoke from experience of work in Korea. He spoke of the people and their culture. He told us how they were like the Irish in some ways and very different in other ways. This was an informative speech laced with humour.
Pat Connolly of the Muskerry Club who was Guest Speaker outlined the ways and means of coping with fear in his speech entitled Catch 22. He told us how some notable people found answers to fear and overcame it. He spoke of his own life in a moving way. This fine speech was then evaluated not once but seven times as part of the Evaluation Contest. Pat Sexton emerged the winner in this keenly fought event.
The Topicsmaster on the night Angela Sheehan ranged in her topics from organic farming to cosmetic surgery to the idea that men are not romantic.
“Tread softly because you tread on my dreams” to quote Yeats.
Time keeping was in the hands of Loretto Barry and Deirdre Linehan and Jeremiah Ronayne was general evaluator.
The next meeting is on the 3rd March and there will be a speech contest.
Guests are very welcome and will not be asked to speak.
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Under the watchful eye of President Sean Corcoran they gathered together in the upper room. Toastmaster Gerry Mulcahy conducted the proceedings.
The room with its stained glass panelled doors and it shape and design has very suitable atmosphere for debate and discussion. The Hibernian Hotel is to be thanked for all this and the President and other members expressed their appreciation.
Speakers o the night were Angela Sheehan who with the use of overheads showed the way the club should operate to attract and foster new members she was followed by Deirdre Linehan whose speech called the Leave Talking was a heart warming story of mother love for a daughter departing for university life. It resonated a Rembrandt painting as she sat as if writing her motherly advice.
John Dillon's talk from the Story Telling Manual about a photograph taken near the Culloden monument in Scotland stretched the credulity of his listeners. But they should not forget truth is stranger than fiction. Well sometimes!
Margaret o Regan has always backs her speech with incontrovertible facts.
The abstract subject of happiness, its measurement and attainment is an elusive theme. To join a voluntary organisation may be as beneficial to a person as giving up smoking. To do both of course multiplies the good.
Of course if that organisation happens to be Toastmasters it goes without saying everything is much better.
Speech evaluators were Mary Stack, Mary Buckley and Pat Sexton.
Brid O Keeffe was Topicsmaster and her choice of questions was so apt that all were eager to get involved.
Ray Ryan acted as timekeeper and Anne Buckley and Michael Donegan were Sergeants at Arms.
The General Evaluator was Kieran Buckley who gave an overall assessment with generous praise for the new room and wished the Club good look in it.
Next Meeting will be the 17th February at 7.50 for 8pm sharp.
Guests as always very welcome.
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For the speakeasy Club 20th January 05 was a red letter day. RTE's Nationwide programme visited to record the proceedings and had during the day filmed footage for background. Alistair Jackson and his team did a splendid job in putting everyone at their ease while carrying on their work.
The three main speakers for the night were Jeremiah Ronayne , Marie Fitzpatrick and Jerry O Callaghan. All three are experienced performers who have taken the precepts of Toastmasters to heart and mind.What they had to say and how they said it reflected this .
The topics secessions was a little hectic and extremely funny with the added element of attaching microphones to contributors. Anne Buckley Topicsmaster let nothing disturb her equanimity.
Pat Sexton Michael Dineen Loreto Barry and Jerry Mulcahy among others made humorous or serious contributions as appropriate.
Ray Ryan with his usual attention to detail was Toastmaster for the night . Sean Corcoran President gave a brief outline of the history and aims of Toastmasters International before the conclusion of a night which will be long remembered as unique in the annals of the Speakeasy Club.
Next Meeting will be February 3rd-Thursday .At the Hibernian 7.50. Guests very welcome. Guests will not be asked to speak but they may if the wish talk on a topic
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Shakespeare ,. W. B Yeats,Mark Twain among others were quoted to good purpose at the reopening of Speakeasy Toastmasters on Thursday night last. Vice President Angela Sheehan had put together a good programme for the night . An audience of thirty five heard four speakers ,described as being of the highest quality by Joe Gibbs a distinguished Toastmaster visiting as General Evaluator.
Michael Cronin was Toastmaster for the night a job he performed with grace ,good humour and efficiency. Mary Buckley was first to the podium with a well researched speech on the advantages, disadvantages of the Internet and E- mailing. She made this complex subject more understandable to her listeners.
Vivien Buckley next spoke on voluntary work and the benefits to society and to the volunteers themselves .She spoke of her own experiences and the joy and satisfaction this kind of work brought to her.
Pat Sexton then explained in a novel and entertaining way why after thirteen years he still was starry eyed about the organisation . The final speaker in this section was President Sean Corcoran. His speech ' Medicine On Toast' told of the great healing powers of honey. He kept a good balance and did not let all these claims go to his head.Older members might recall the royal jelly and it supposedly anti-ageing properties. Oh why did we not use it when it was fashionable?
Jerry Mulcahy was Topicsmaster. He has a great ability to match speaker to the topic to get the most humourous responce . The result of course is great fun.
At meeting's end the visiting evaluator Joe Gibbs said Speakeasy Club was one of the most successful there is- words as sweet as honey to the Presidents ears. Our next Meeting is on the 20th January at the Hibernian. Guests are welcome.
club website .www.speakeasytoastmasters.com
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Thursday night the 9th was the last meeting at Speakeasy before Christmas and there was a festive mood.Mulled wine lubricated the already loquacious members. However the first speech of the night was a sober appraisal of what attracts new members to the Club. High standards good organising and a friendly and fraternal welcome it seems
is the answer. Speakeasy believes it qualifies on all counts. Loretta Barry evaluated this speech and Ray Ryan evaluated very a very humours talk on being bit by the golf bug given by Deirdre Lineman.
Eugene O Connell
gave an account of the life of a centenarian who recently departed this life. The audience heard how her memory reached to the early days of the last century.
This and nostalgic speech was well received and evaluated by Kieran Buckley.
Michael Cronin's speech Humoursly Speaking told of his trip to the Blood Bank .Taking on the air of a latter day Jack Benny he asserted that it was the only Christmas present he could give that would not cost him money.This man can be seriously funny. His speech was evaluated by Jeremiah Ronyane.
Brian McLoughlin's speeches are always unusual and are shot with flashes of humour and wit but are never less than profound. The timeless theme of love and the loss of love he handled adroitly.Mary Buckley evaluated handing
out congratulations and recommendations
Marie Fitzpatrick Toastmaster for the night easily kept proceedings going at a nice pace and Dermot Meany as Topicsmaster rolled out a verity of topics in line with the festive season. Pat Sexton was General Evaluator and gave an assessment of the evaluations and of all the performances of the night.
President Sean Corcoran wishing everyone a happy Christmas urged all to partake of the ample repast .As they did over the clatter of cups they seemed like a very happy family.
Next Meeting of Speakeasy is on Thursday January 13th 05. Guests as always are very welcome.
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There is nothing haphazard about Toastmasters. The structures and procedures are democratically organised.
Pat Bradley made his introductory speech on Thursday night 25th.Nov. Calm confident and sincere were words used by his evaluator Marie Fitzpatrick. Pat's sporting and political hero is Jack Lynch ,with such an illustrious GAA figure and politician as a guiding star Pat's standards are high. His opening speech was warmly welcomed.
Ray Ryan is well placed to complete his programme for the year. His speech was evaluated in a novel fashion by Sean Lynch. The speech Aural Assault was technically assured on facts and dramatically delivered . The loss of hearing is a serious matter. Put simply there is no cure' prevention is the only answer. Jerry Mulcahy 's speech was from the Humourously Speaking Manual and was evaluated by Michael Donegan. The Ups and Downs of Transport was the title and the going was extremely funny.
The next speech was from the Story Telling series.This was the first from this manual by John Dillon. The rule applies and a folk tale is to be told. The Children of Lir was John's choice .It was evaluated by Tony O'Regan and was well received.
Order is the first law of Toastmasters as Margaret O'Regan humourously reminded her listeners she being Toastmaster for the night. She maintained order with a smile. That's her way.
Tim Aherne was topics- master . He engaged the members in a list of provocative and sometimes amusing exchanges.
Gerry Kelleher was General Evaluator for the night and he did a very competent and comprehensive job. He drew special attention to the good work of the Sergeant at Arms Anne Buckley and Michael Donegan. Angela Sheehan undertook Time Keeping. This is an important task in the running of things. All this was overseen by the alert and benign President Sean Corcoran.
Next meeting is on the 9th December Thursday night at The Hibernian Hotel . The last before Christmas . Guests are as always most welcome.
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Talk is the essence of Toastmasters but now and again there is much more .Thursday night is a case in point . Michael O'Donoghue's story of his fight for life following a body shattering attack by a raging bull was a story of courage ,endurance, acceptance ,faith and hope. Told from his wheelchair as he is seriously disabled he brought is audience to a standing ovation.
On the night the club was honoured by a visit from the District Governor David Thompson who also undertook the job of General Evaluator. Another visitor Pat Lynch from the Muskerry club gave an amusing and insightful speech on gossip.
In another talk Pat Duggan used charts to tell the history of crosswords and gave some clues to the charms of that pastime .An aficionado his enthusiasm was catching.
Jeremiah Roynane spoke on his journey from Mallow to Canary Warf . In his capacity as General Governor London fell within his ambit and he inaugurated a Toastmasters club for these financial brokers or 'masters of the universe'.
Varity is never lacking and Dermot Meaney entertained amused and informed all with his talk on the Hennessey family that originated in Killavullen and now produce the famous Hennessy
They were geese, generals in Dillon's Brigade and politicians as well. Appropriately they were toasted at Mallow Toastmasters.
The evaluators had a challenge to met but Mary Stack Jerry Mulcahy Anne Buckley, Pat Sexton and Michael Cronin were not found wanting.
Tim Ahern was Toastmaster for the night and Noel O Connor Topics -Master.
Sean Corcoran presided and Ray Ryan was Timekeeper.
The next meeting is on Thursday the 25th November. At the Hibernian. You are welcome
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On Thursday night the 28th October The Speakeasy Club carried on though the weather was bad .Sean Corcoran presiding was conscious of this as were all those present. Nevertheless there was a Halloween type atmosphere. Angela Sheehan pinpointed this with her speech 'The Ghost of a Promise' an adaptation of Micheál MacLiammóir's story. It was well received by an appreciative audience and equally well evaluated by Margaret O'Regan.
Michael Cronin evaluated Michael Buckley's speech on Tom Hyland the former co-coordinator of the East Timor Ireland Solidarity Campaign. Tom Hyland played a part in the birth of than nation and he should not be forgotten. Michael Buckley did a service in highlighting that continuing contribution. Vivien Buckley spoke on Guy Fawkes . Her speech let to explosive laughter and much hilarity beside. Pat Sexton with his usual wit and grasp of detail explored aspects of the musical life of they Beatles and Jerry Mulcahy in his evaluation added value to that presentation.
Mary Buckley was Toastmaster on the night and Ray Ryan Topic-master. Tony O'Regan was general evaluator.
The club members congratulated Vivien Buckley and Sean Corcoran who moved on to the District Contest in the table topics and humorous speeches respectively having qualified in the area finals in Youghal on the 21st October.
The next Meeting is on 11th November 04. Guests as always are welcome.
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The next meeting of the Speak Toastmasters club is on the 28th October 04. On this night Mary Buckley will be Toastmaster . A full programme of five speakers will present their speeches on the night . Angela Sheehan , Michael Buckley ,Pat Duggan, Pat Sexton and Vivien Buckley will give of their best.The General evaluator will be Tony OF Regan.
It will be a night of wise words and entertainment. Ray Ryan will be the Topics- Master. Guests as always are very welcome.
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Nothing is predictable about a night at the Speakeasy club.On the 14th there were five excellent speeches and a very good topic's secession.
Ann Buckley started off with 'Once upon a Time'. the story of storytelling. It was well received by a keen and appreciative audience. It is October and an other Buckley Mary spoke on cancer. This was a detailed and well researched talk delivered with sensitivity and even a degree of optimism. Pat Sexton in the advanced series re-enacted Al Gore's May the 26th speech which was intended to expose the duplicity ,as he saw it of G.W. Bush. It was a masterly performance by Pat. Tony O' Regan was next up with 'WE Must Never Forget'. This was a passionate and informative look back at the Great Famine. He contrasted with it the situation in Sudan today. Noel O Connor ended the speech list with a humorous look at the fashion of hair removal. He handled it with aplomb and had the audience in stitches.
Jeremiah Roynane ran the 'Topics' using a thematic approach to questions about the GAA and then went on to individual topics . He gave plenty scope for humour, which as always is taken up with enthusiasm.
Ray Ryan general evaluator gave a crisp and thorough assessment of all the proceedings. Mary Stack was toastmaster for the night and ran the show smoothly and efficiently. Sean Corcoran presided and the whole event was completed in two and a half hours. Gerry Mulcahy was the timekeeper .The next meeting is on the 28th of October. You are welcome.
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A full programme for the 14thOctober arranged by Angela Sheehan will be presented under the President Sean Corcoran. There will be five speakers with evaluations under the guidance of Ray Ryan.Topic -master for the night will be Jeremiah Roynane. Guests and members are assured of an informative and enjoyable night
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The first month back ended with the Meeting on the 30th. It was Humorous Speech Contest night with Sean Corcoran as usual presiding. Jeremiah Ronayne was a skillful and affable Toastmaster who started off by explaining the procedures briefly and introducing the competition judges some who came from outside clubs like Fermoy and Charleville.
Before the main event a topics session took place under topics-master Margaret O' Regan. Topics on the night ranged from Ireland's share of Olympic Gold medals to Bono's place in politics. Again to Hector's performance.( that's the Hector of TG4 that was). These topics were treated seriously, sympathetically or humorously and often with all three emotions at once.Topics relating to politics did for some reason arouse more humour than anything else. There was much ball hopping when it came to questions on games.'Men in the kitchen' lead to a clear division in the House. All this hilarity was very much enjoyed by a sizable group of female students who were there with their teachers.
In the Humorous Speech Contest the wining speech was 'Twinkle Toes.' This had vocal variety and body language of a high degree and of course humour. Second on the night was a speech entitled Zen and the Art of Baby Sitting. You may imagine from the title how funny the speech was. Mary Buckley was chief judge ,she and her six judges must have had difficult choices to make. A night to remember was anticipated and it lived up to that. The young guests and the other guest who were most welcome showed their appreciation of the events with warm and prolonged applause.
September 30'th 2004
Sept 16'th 2004
Thursday 14'th April
We live and learn as times goes by. There are two clichés for the price of one. But we are near the end of the 2004-2205 Speakeasy year. Next meeting is the AGM April 28th. The night of the 14th kicked off with Noel O Connor as Topics - master dealing out questions about Rule 42. Or again questions that reduced a certain prince and his bride to figures of fun. Oh dear. Again, more seriously all welcomed the award gained by the Mallow Railway Station. So it went.
John Dillon spoke on Toastmasters Education Programme. Marie Fitzpatrick followed with a speech laced with humour as she ran a critical eye over eating out. She contrasted this with dining at home for value financially and gastronomically. She sold the idea that home cooking is best. Pat Sexton evaluated this speech giving it the praise it well deserved and making more puns than we had buns for tea.
Mary Buckley in her speech questioned the causes of increasing crime involving teenagers such as the reckless driving of stolen cars and robbery with violence. All the systems education, health, welfare and justices came in for scrutiny. And importantly parental control. Loretto Barry evaluated praising the depth and scope of this well delivered speech.
Mary Stack General Evaluator for the night gave a comprehensive review of the proceeding speaking highly of Toastmaster Anne Buckley's role. Ray Ryan was timekeeper and Sean Corcoran presided.
The Next meeting is on April 28th .Guest are always welcome.
Club Website www.speakeasytoastmasters .com