A victorious week

A victorious week for Speakeasy.

The Area 17 Finals ( North Cork) of the Speech and Evaluation Contests took place at last week's Speakeasy Toastmasters meeting. 

Over the course of two hours, a wonderful range of ideas and speaking styles was on display. The chosen subjects were serious in nature but humour abounded. Gerry Hennessy of Fermoy Toastmasters spoke on the many joys of music. "If music is the food of love" chronicled the important role that eight musical notes have on our lives. For some,it might be "the clinger" at the local ballroom to more sombre notes of a classical composer. Musical tastes can range from the discordant notes of "Guns and Roses" to soft romantic sounds. "Would you like some Marvin Gaye"? Whatever, you are having yourself, remember the words of Shakespeare and "play on".

In stark contrast, Brendan Foley exhorted his audience that "It's the journey, not the destination". Setting goals and working towards achieving them is an important ingredient of success. However, there is a danger that obsession with "Goals" can enslave rather than enable the individual. Brendan recalled running a road race on a beautiful, scenic route with his head down. Such was his focus in reaching the finishing line, he was he oblivious to the natural beauty that coloured his route. Steppingback a little and enjoying the journey is more beneficial to our well being than obsessing on the destination.

"Things aren't always what they first appear" was the hugely enjoyable contribution of Frank O'Driscoll of Fermoy. Delegated the task of concluding the sale of his son's car, Frank found himself in a very uncomfortable position when a group of Eastern Europeans turned up on a Sunday morning to test drive the car, prior to purchasing it. He found himself facing up his prejudices. Ultimately, to his immense relief, such concerns proved to be unfounded and a deal was done. His speech was a salutary lesson on the dangers of judging a book by it's cover.

Pat Sexton's "On the Ropes" took us back in time to the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" World Heavyweight Boxing Title fight in 1974. This was an era when Ali and Foreman were Kings of the ring. The speech focused on the lessons we can draw from this incredible story and how the qualities displayed by both boxers can inform our own life's challenges.

Sean Corcoran, Rachel Liston, Pat Sexton & Frank O'Driscoll. 

In the Speech Evaluation Contest, the Keynote Speech was delivered by Mohammed Omar of the Clonmel Club. Simply titled - "An apple a day", this presentation dealt with how small changes to our lifestyle can make the biggest difference. It is now medically proven that the consumption of one apple each day reduces the risk of stroke. Likewise, a new language can be mastered in a year by learning a mere three words every day. Life is not just about big changes. Small changes can make the difference. The competing Evaluators, Sean Corcoran, Pat Sexton, Frank O'Driscoll and Johanna Hegarty were required to present a critique of this speech. There is an impromptu aspect to this Contest as Competitors have 5 minutes to prepare their notes and do not hear the Competitors who have spoken previously.

Following the adjudication, Speakeasy's Pat Sexton emerged victorious in the Speech and Evaluation Contests. Frank O'Driscoll of Fermoy finished second in the Speech Contest while Sean Corcoran of Speakeasy was runner-up in the Evaluation Contest. Sean, Frank and Pat will go forward to the Division B Finals which take place in the Radisson Hotel, Limerick on Sunday, 31st March at 1.00PM. This event will bring together participants from Claire, Kerry, Limerick, North Tipperary and North Cork. A wonderful afternoon of entertainment is assured.

The Mallow and District Sports and Leisure Awards Gala Night was held at Springfort Hall on Saturday, 2nd March. The Speakeasy Club was absolutely delighted to receive a prestigious Club Award. This award acknowledges the contribution that the Club has made to the North Cork community over the past twenty five years. During that time, the Club has assisted many members to acquire good communication skills. It has also provided public speaking training in various Secondary Schools in the locality. The Club wish to thank the Mallow Sports and Leisure Council and their sponsors for organising such a wonderful event.

Sean Corcoran & Anne O'Donovan at Mallow Sports & Leisure awards. 

Meanwhile, Speakeasy members will participate at this weekend's Kanturk Arts Festival. On Friday evening, Bobby Buckley, Gerry O'Callaghan and Liam Flynn will be part of an impressive programme at O'Callaghan Motor World, Kanturk. On Saturday night, Sean Corcoran and Kieran Buckley are performing on the Drama evening at the Edel Quinn Hall. More details are available on the Arts Festival website.

The next Speakeasy meeting will take place on Thursday, 21st March in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow at8.00PM.As always, guests are welcome to attend. Unlike conventional courses and classes, you can join Toastmasters at any time and start on a meaningful journey to improved communications. Guests are never coerced to speak unless they wish to do so.

For more information about our Club, please check out our website,speakeasytoastmasters.com or on Facebook.