Feel the Fear

Each one of us has experienced it. It's like a knot twisting in your stomach with  that awful sense of dread and  an inability to move. It's called fear - a four letter word that holds us back, if we allow it. 

Theresa O'Reilly addressed the subject head on in her excellent speech - "Feel the fear" which was a highlight of last week's Speakeasy Toastmasters meeting. She gave a hilarious account of her efforts to learn how to swim. She swallowed more water than The Titanic, she was drowning, not waving but she did it! And, just in case, she started doing triathlons! Alongside all that, she joined Speakeasy and overcame her fear of speaking in public! She embodies the famous words of Emerson - "Once you do the thing you fear,the death of fear is certain" '

Vincent Harris entertained us with a fascinating discourse on "Peacocks, Pit bulls and pigs". He explained how the humble "Corgi" dog, so beloved by the British Royal Family, began it's ife as a  dog, whose sole purpose was to keep the oven hot by walking on a wheel. They were known as the Kitchen Dog. 

He spoke also of the Danish Pig, bred to show off his national colours on the Danish /German Border at a time when tensions between the two countries were strained. 

In a hugely enjoyable Topics Session, ably conducted by Bobby Buckley, a wide range of subjects were addressed. Marie Lynes spoke about being on the bandwagon while supporting her club members in recent competitions. Liam Flynn spoke about the Treacys of Carlow who have finished in second place in the World Ploughing Championships on numerous occasions and their willingness to keep trying for the top prize. Memories of all the memorable characters in Mallow in days long gone were exchanged. No discussion on this subject can be complete without a mention of Eddie O'Donovan of the Central Cinema."You're wanted outside and bring your coat". The Royal Wedding was also on the agenda, with Mary Buckley articulating the views of many Irish Royal Wedding watchers. 

Last week saw our AGM,where events of the previous twelve months were recalled. It was a year of excitement. It was a year of celebrations - for our Twenty Fifth Anniversary and our unprecedented success in competions.It was a year of another amazing Schools Public Speaking competition where the top prizes went to the schools of Kanturk. In truth, it was a another brilliant Speakeasy year. 

Pat Sexton, Helsa Giles & Deirdre Linehan

The following officers were elected for the coming year : President - Sean Corcoran;Vice - President Education - Theresa O'Reilly ;Vice President Membership - Michael Cronin;Treasurer - Marie Fitzpatrick ;Secretary - Don McSweeney ;Sergeant at Arms - Helsa Giles; Pathways Mentor - Ray Ryan. 

The next Speakeasy meeting will take place in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow on Thursday, 31st May at 8.00PM.As always, guests are welcome to attend and will not be obliged to speak unless they want to! For more information about Speakeasy, please visit our website speakeasytmasters.comor on Facebook.