At the beginning

"After all, I really love you,

After all that we've been through."

It was Spring 1993 and while a young man's fancy may have been turning to love, in The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow many people's fancy were turning to the realisation that a new Toastmasters Club had been formed. Demonstration meetings had started the previous October and now there were sufficient members recruited from all over the North Cork area to establish a viable club. A name was chosen to reflect the attitude of the club and a committee formed. Meetings had a "real buzz" about them.

At precisely the same time, a different "buzz" was happening in Cork City. A young three piece rock band called "The Frank and Walters" were blazing a trail up the English Music Charts with a song called "After All". This was at a time when these Charts mattered. They were called to appear on" Top of the Pops". On that week in March, their song rose to the lucky heights of Number 13,ahead of Paul McCartney who also appeared on the show. After their initial success, "The Frank's", settled down to become a much loved and highly respected Cork institution and never became Tax-Exiles or sang about World hunger.

And now, twenty five years later, "The Frank's" are an enjoying a return to the limelight. Their signature song is back up to the top of the charts as a result of it's manic rendition by the madcap Billy Murphy in the series finale of "The Young Offenders".Their new found fame shows that while fashion is fleeting, class is eternal. 

Twenty five years later, Speakeasy Toastmasters continues to flourish. The founding Committee elected in March 1993 consisted of President: Joe O'Connor, Boherbue ;Vice President Education : Loretta Barry, Mallow ; Vice President Membership : Ger Cott, Charleville ; PRO : Deirdre Horgan, Mallow ;Secretary : Ann Coughlan, Buttevant ;Treasurer : John Stack, Mallow ; Sergeant at Arms : Nellie O'Keeffe, Doneraile and Dónal O'Cainte, Liscarroll.

This Committee and others that followed have guided the Club to achieve high standards of meetings and educational accomplishments  over a quarter of a century. Hundreds of members have benefited from their involvement over the years. Members have begun speaking before a Toastmasters audience and have their confidence and communication skills transformed. 

Our Twenty Fifth Anniversary Celebration Night will commemorate our speaking success with a fine range of speakers, past and present.It promises to be a night of entertainment, enlightenment and inspiration. The dress code is informal, with refreshments provided on the night. We invite the public to join us for this unique occasion. It takes place in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on Saturday 14th April at 8.00PM. 

In the meantime, the next Club Meeting takes place on Thursday, 5th April at 8.00PM Sharp. As always, a fine lineup of speakers will be on show and a fine night of entertainment is guaranteed. Guests are more than welcome to attend and experience for themselves what Speakeasy has to offer. You will not be coerced into speaking unless you wish to do so. 

For more information, please check out our website speakeasytoastmasters.com or Facebook. Alternatively, please contact President Helsa Giles, 0838858848.