Everyday Heroes

Positivity abounded at this weeks Speakeasy Toastmaster meeting, chaired by Pat Connolly as Toastmaster who joined President Jerry Mulcahy and Topicsmaster Rhona Coughlan at the top table. Ronan Condon, in a speech entitled ‘ Everyday Heroes and Heroines’ encouraged us not to be engulfed by all the negativity around us but to focus on the positive aspects of human nature. He described the wonderful achievements of some everyday heroes who were honoured recently in the People of the Year Awards. He reminded us that we still live in amazing world. His speech was truly inspirational. His speech was evaluated by Mary Moynihan Marie Fitzpatrick described the origin and development of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann. We learnt of the growth of the attraction of Fleadh Ceoils since the first small gathering in Mullingar in 1951. She described how many local Comhaltas branches, throughout the country, encourage groups of young people to play Irish traditional music and so have kept it alive. Her interesting speech was accompanied by visual slides and a little music. Marie’s speech was evaluated by Liam Flynn In the opening of his speech, Pat Sexton citing the lyrics of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen suggested that occasionally song lyrics can be regarded as poetry. He chose, however, the work of the Canadian, Joni Mitchell to demonstrate his point. In her powerful poem on Ethiopia she uses the word’ Ethiopia’ almost like a mantra. He also read her very insightful poem ‘The Magdalene Laundries’ written in 1995. He certainly convinced his audience that these lyrics were worthy of the title poetry.Pat’s speech was evaluated by Margaret O’Regan. Brian O’Farrell was a very welcome guest from the Fermoy club. He gave an extremely humorous speech on the subject of Internet security. He described a world full of ridiculous passwords. He contrasted the legacy he would leave to be researched, full of tweets, texts and Internet files to that of his great- grandfather whose signature appears on the 1901 Census. We have been warned! Michael Cronin evaluated. Rhona Coughlan as Topicsmaster for the evening introduced a very large range of entertaining topics which ranged from morning grouches and Superhero outfits, to the more serious question of an armed police force. The essential evaluation part of the meeting was chaired by Tony O'Regan. Anne Buckley kept an eye on the standard of English in use, in her role as Ah Counter. All contributions were timed, by Ray Ryan as timekeeper. All were warmly welcomed to the meeting by guest greeters Speakeasy toastmasters next meets at 8pm Hibernian Mallow every other Thursday, next meeting is on Nov 1st. Guests are most welcome and are never asked to speak. Contact Jerry 0863752895,or Noel 0872427485. "Follow us on Facebook "Speak Easy Toastmasters", on Twitter "@speakeasytm" and on our blog "http://speakeasytm.blogspot. www.speakeasytoastmasters.com