Blood, Sweat and Pensions

This week saw another interesting and entertaining evening at Speakeasy Toastmasters. Firstly the President Jerry Mulcahy acknowledged the achievement of Speakeasy member, Pat Sexton in coming second in the International Topics Contest, which this year was held in Garryvoe on November 10th. He also reminded the audience of that great annual event, the Inter Schools Public Speaking Contest which will be held tonight Nov 22nd at 8pm in the Hibernian Hotel and is eagerly awaited. From the serious problem of what is national identity and how to maintain it, to the absolute necessity of having an imaginary companion, if in the situation where you have to eat oatmeal alone, -there was great scope in the content of the 5 great speeches. Rhona Coughlan led the way with a challenging and fresh look at national identity. Pat Sexton evaluated Rhona s speech Dave Clarke gave solid advice in a humorous manner on the pitfalls of plane travel and how to avoid them. Marie Lynes evaluated Dave's speech. Mary Moynihan in a story with the delightful title, “Blood, Sweat and Pensions, took us back to Civil War times and a tale about the Flying Columns as they were called. Pat Connoly evaluated Mary's speech Michael Dineen amazed everyone with a talk about centre of gravity. Using his knowledge, he kept an audience volunteer sitting in his chair with one finger on his forehead as an example of the force of the centre of a persons gravity. He then demonstrated how one can help a person stand without the need for lifting by using their centre of gravity. Michael Cronin evaluated Michael's speech Bridie O Connell gave a deliciously witty reading from a poem by Galway Kinell, where he suggests the need for an imaginary companion when eating porridge. In his case he suggests John Keats, who is probably ok but I suggest that the reading of Oatmeal by Mr Kinnell himself would definitely aid the digestion. Liam Flynn evaluated Bridie's speech Sean Corcoran evaluated the evaluators and the meeting as a whole, giving all positive feedback and encouragement. Our evening at Speakeasy was greatly enhanced by the efforts of Kieran Butler as Topicsmaster. James Kelleher kept a watchful eye on the timing of all contributions which is an integral part of toastmaster meetings. Pat Duggan as Ah Counter gave a humorous analysis of our usage of grammar. All were warmly welcomed by guest greeters, Marie Lynes, Mary Moynihan and Ronan Condon. Speakeasy toastmasters meets at 8pm Hibernian Hotel Mallow every other Thursday, next meeting is on Nov 29th Schools Contest tonight, November 22nd 8pm, Hibernian Hotel. Non members are very welcome to attend all meetings and will not be 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