This week at Speakeasy, a packed program was ably managed by Toastmaster Bridie O’Connell, aptly described by General Evaluator Claire O’Connell as “cool, calm, collected and classy”.
There were six speakers. Angela Sheehan made a most beautiful speech entitled “The Big Fellow“, paying tribute to her father, Michael Madden who died recently. A passionate sportsman, skilled in many codes but especially as a rugby player, who played on the Munster team against the All Blacks in 1954, his club was Sundays Well. Once when injured and bleeding profusely, he didn’t want to leave the field of play, saying “leave me be, I’ll die for the Well”. A man dedicated to his family, friends and social circle, he moved with the times, and had an iPhone, used Skype, even had a face book page. Angela’s words were a wonderful tribute to her father, a man who lived life to the full.
There was more evidence at this week’s meeting of the vibrancy of Speakeasy, with two new members, making their first speech, -the icebreaker speech, where they introduce themselves to the club.
Anne Walsh, in her lovely speech gave us an entertaining insight into how a fun loving person like herself came to settle down and through reading about the work of Maria Montessori develop a deep interest in Special Education. Pat Connolly evaluated Anne’s speech.
Brendan Foley delivered a fine colourful icebreaker describing a great variety of work and travel and educational experience in a lovely humorous style. Michael Cronin evaluated Brendan’s speech.
Marie Lynes told us the fascinating and appalling story of Mara Linga, in Australia where in 1953 UK scientists tested the effects of the detonation of Atomic bombs. Afterwards, with no strict security implemented besides the erection of signs that locals could not read, there were terrible health consequences for the local people and the servicemen who were sent in. As Marie effectively conveyed in this important speech, the paltry compensation package and the length of time it took to deal with any aspect of this tragedy is testimony that good people need not to remain silent about such terrible deeds. Pat Duggan evaluated Marie’s speech.
Cait Murray’s objective was to do a demonstration speech and she used a compass and a route card of a walk in the Galtees to pay tribute to leaders in hillwalking clubs, a popular pastime these days, who put a lot of work into leading groups safely on the mountains. James Kelleher evaluated Cait’s speech
President Jerry Mulcahy told the fascinating history of the hunting of the Wren, which he explained originally developed out of fear of the Wren. He brought us back to his youth in West Limerick. A Batch was the title of the group and the Cashier carried the holly bush. There was a dress code and they met in the rambling house. They called to people who couldn’t actually come out to them. Sadly from the late 1940’s on emigration took a toll on these traditional practices but for us who heard this speech, the history of the occasion will come to mind, next time we hear a knock at the door on St Stephens Day. Bill Martin evaluated Jerry’s speech.
David Roache was Topicsmaster and provided a fine array of topics from St Valentine’s Day to the question of whether Mallow Town with its Folk Festival has a 25 years head start on “The Gathering”.
Ray Ryan as Grammarian praised efforts to avoid crutch words when speaking. Tom O’Connor kept a watchful eye on the timings as Timekeeper.
All were warmly greeted as usual by the cheerful guest greeters, Mary Moynihan, Marie Lynes and Ronan Condon.
A particularly interesting meeting to look forward to will be the Club’s Speech and Evaluation Contest which will be held at 8pm Hibernian Hotel on March 21st.
This year is the Club’s 20th Anniversary and tickets are now available for this unmissable night on Saturday March 23rd in the Hibernian Hotel. Non members are most welcome. Contact Ronan at 0862758501.
Speakeasy Toastmasters meets every 2nd Thursday in the Hi-B. next meeting at 8pm Hibernian Mallow, Thursday 7th March. Non members are most welcome and are never asked to speak. Contact Jerry 0863752895,or Noel 0872427485.
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