Elections

I have news for you - Politics is an honorable profession. So said the Church of Ireland Archbishop Alan Harper. Where is there a more suitable learning ground for future politicians to hone their speaking skills than at Speakeasy Toastmasters? Michéal Martin is/was a Toastmaster. Listening to the lovely charismatic vocal sounds that he emits, made even sweeter by his charming smile is proof of the value of Toastmasters. Election fever is sweeping the country and our Club got the bug. On Thursday 17^th May the Annual General Meeting took place. Election was the buzz word of the night. The team which will be entrusted with the organization, promotion and loving care of the Club for the year 2007 – 2008 are:-

President - Anne Buckley

Vice President of Education - Ray Ryan

Vice President of Membership - Bridie O’Connell

Treasurer - Michael Cronin

Secretary - Loretto Barry

Sergeant at Arms - Mary Moynihan & Joe Hassett

All of those elected have already proved themselves in the past, and will run a great Club next year. We wish them every success in the year to come. So when you arrive to the first meeting of the year in September, the faces welcoming you at the door will be different, but the welcome will be just as sincere as last year. They will have the kettle on the hob and will serve you a great cup of coffee and the best biscuits in town at the interval. A great big thank you to the outgoing President and her crew. Well done folks - you did a great job keeping the show on the road in the past year.

Prior to the election we had business as usual. Having charged every one €5 on the way in, we had to have entertainment. And value for money it was - Gerry O’Callaghan, a staunch member of the Club since its inception excelled himself as Topics Master. He put great preparation into the task; it was original; innovative; and entertaining. We were all ‘in stitches’. He went from, in this case, the ridiculous to the sublime. The co-operation from the audience was super. We could have gone on for an hour with his well chosen topics, but time was limited.

On the Speech front we were equally entertained. Vivienne Buckley started with an ‘After Dinner’ speech. She spoke about her grand uncle’s experiences as a Missionary Priest in Africa. While it was sometimes sad, she also included humour. Vivienne is noted for good speeches. She was followed by Liam Flynn, who is just a year in Toastmasters. His speech called ‘the anvil of life’ was a well thought out speech with a profound message. I cannot print the content now, so just imagine what you have missed by not attending our meetings! Liam is a fund of information, and a brilliant speaker. Marie Fitzpatrick did an advanced speech on the Art of Conversation. Every one made notes during her speech. Her advice was good. It could be applied to the politicians that are breaking down our doors at the moment (they will go to ground next week for another five years); the car salesman or the green young teenager on his/her first date, that is if green young teenagers still exist. Well done Marie, Liam and Vivienne.

Our next and last meeting of the Club year is on Thursday 31^st May at the Hibernian Hotel Mallow at 7.50 sharp. The weather is great at the moment, and one is tempted to avail of the sunny evening, but just think what words of wisdom, and great fun you missed by not coming last week. Do come along for our last night. It promises to be good. Should you require any information about our Club or Toastmasters in general log on to our web page and all will be revealed. www.speakeasytoastmasters.com Slán libh go leir.