Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters Celebrate a Festive Christmas Gathering

Warmth, Laughter, and Fine Speeches Mark the Final Meeting of 2025

C O'Connell (Topicsmaster), M Lynes (Toastmaster) & P Corcoran (Speak Easy President)

---

A Merry Evening of Toastmasters Spirit

Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters gathered on 11th December 2025 for their final meeting of the year—a festive, joyful evening celebrating both the season and the club’s vibrant community.

The meeting was presided over by President P. Corcoran, who welcomed members and guests to a Christmas-themed night full of learning, laughter, and festive cheer.
M. Lynes, serving as Toastmaster for the evening, guided the packed agenda with poise and seasonal good humour.

---

Roles for the Night

The programme featured a strong team:

• Topicsmaster: C. O’Connell

• Timer: N. O’Connor

• General Evaluator: L. Flynn

• Poetry Corner: B. Foley, who shared “On My Own” by Pat Ingoldsby

• Ah Counter: J. Marina Camarasa

• Grammarian: B. Buckley

P Patton & J Marina Camarasa

---

A Quartet of Engaging Speeches

Members were treated to four diverse and memorable speeches:

“It Was Never a Week” – T. O’Sullivan

A heartfelt and often humorous reflection on experiences with the local Scouts branch.
Evaluator: J. McConville

“Curiosity – Killed the Dog?” – P. Patton

A thoughtful and entertaining look back at their Toastmasters journey so far.
Evaluator: R. Liston

“No Laughing Matter” – P. Sexton

An informative and serious warning on the dangers of Nitrous Oxide.
Evaluator: M. Cronin

“Toasty” – H. Giles

Part of the Innovative Planning Level 1 Pathway, this warm and engaging speech explored H. Giles’ experience at the Killavullen market meeting locals and selling toasted sandwiches.
Evaluator: M. O’Regan

---

R Liston & M Cronin

Festive Break and Topics Fun

A Christmas-inspired break followed, complete with music, mince pies, crackers, and lively conversation among the 20 attendees.
Afterwards, Topicsmaster C. O’Connell delivered a dynamic impromptu speaking session—full of imaginative prompts and festive surprises.

C O'Connell as Topicsmaster

B Buckley & P Sexton

---

Evaluation Excellence

L. Flynn, as General Evaluator, led the evaluation segment with confidence, overseeing four insightful and constructive speech evaluations, rounding off the educational portion of the evening.

---

Closing the Year With Cheer

The meeting concluded at 10pm, with all departing in cheerful spirits—energised by friendship, self-improvement, and the joy of the season.

---

Next Meeting – Guests Welcome

Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters will return on
📅 January 8th 2026
📍 Hibernian Hotel, 7.45pm

Thinking of starting a new hobby or building confidence in speaking? Come along as a guest—we’d be delighted to welcome you.

Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters Host Engaging November Meeting

 

Members of Speak Easy Toastmasters gathered once again for an entertaining and thought-provoking evening of public speaking and fellowship recently in Mallow.

Club President P Corcoran opened proceedings with a warm address, updating members on recent developments within the Toastmasters district and highlighting the upcoming online speaking contest - District 71 online conference on Saturday November 29th. His remarks reflected the club’s strong connection to the wider Toastmasters network and its commitment to continuous development.

Two of our speakers this evening - R Liston and M O'Donnell

The evening began on a lighter note with B Buckley sharing his self-written poem “Autumn Fall” — a humorous and heartfelt reflection on the season, cleverly intertwined with the story of a recent tumble he took. The poem was warmly received and set the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable night.

Two of our evaluators for the evening - H Giles and P Sexton

The prepared speech session featured four strong contributions:

M O’Donnell delivered a reflective Presentation Mastery Level 1 speech entitled “Things to Ponder Upon”, offering thoughtful insights and personal reflection. This was evaluated by M Lynes.

M O'Donnell providing her speech on the evening.

B Foley followed with “Let Me Tell You a Story (Why I Grew a Beard)”, an engaging and humorous account of personal change, evaluated by H Giles.

Next came L Flynn with a compelling historical piece, “The History of the Hedge School in Ireland”, which explored Ireland’s educational heritage and its cultural significance. His speech was evaluated by P Sexton.

L Flynn in full flow during his speech on the night

The final speech of the evening came from R Liston, who entertained the room with an amusing retelling of “Moving Day”, evaluated by P Corcoran.

Following the tea break, J McConville took charge of a lively and engaging Table Topics session, with impromptu themes ranging from favourite music albums to reflections on Science Week in Ireland. This segment brought plenty of humour, quick thinking and audience participation.

J McConville as Topicsmaster for the evening.

The overall evaluation of the meeting was conducted by returning long-time member D McSweeney, who provided thoughtful feedback and encouragement to all participants.

Enjoying the banter at the tea break - P Gallgher and D McSweeney

The club was delighted to welcome several guests on the night and extends an open invitation to anyone interested in public speaking or self-development to attend their next meeting on December 11th at 7.45pm in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow.

Our Toastmaster for the evening - T O'Sullivan

November 13th 2025 Meeting Highlights

 

Another inspiring evening of learning, laughter, and leadership unfolded at the Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters meeting on November 13th, as members gathered for a night filled with thoughtful speeches, teamwork, and a touch of poetry.

Strong Leadership and Direction

Club President P Corcoran opened the meeting with his trademark warmth, welcoming members and guests and setting an encouraging tone for the evening.

Acting as Toastmaster, R Liston steered the programme with clarity and confidence, keeping everything moving smoothly and ensuring every speaker had their moment to shine.

P Sexton in deep conversation with P Corcoran

Dedicated Team Roles

As always, the success of the evening rested on strong teamwork.
The supporting roles were carried out with professionalism and energy:

• Topicsmaster: P Patton

• Timekeeper: B Foley

• General Evaluator: M Cronin

• Ah Counter: J McConville

• Grammarian: M O’Regan

Each role added structure and insight, ensuring the meeting ran efficiently while maintaining a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere.

Poetry Corner Moment

A special highlight of the night came from P Sexton, who delivered a powerful and dramatic reading of “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
His performance brought a sense of theatre and history to the room, giving members a moment to reflect on courage, rhythm, and the power of spoken word.

M Fitzpatrick, guest D Jones & M Lyons enjoying light refreshment on the night

Prepared Speeches

Four strong prepared speeches formed the heart of the meeting:

• C O’Connell returned with her engaging and insightful speech, “Smarter Barter”, offering practical thinking around negotiation and value.

• P Corcoran followed with “Toastmasters History 101”, a fascinating look at the roots and evolution of the Toastmasters movement.

• T O’Sullivan inspired the room with “Lighting the Path – The Power of Mentoring”, a heartfelt presentation on guidance, growth, and support.

• The evening concluded with B Buckley, whose beautifully titled speech “Mallow Goes Gently with the Rakes” paid tribute to local memory and storytelling.

Each speaker brought their own voice, style, and perspective, reminding everyone why public speaking is as much about connection as it is about communication.

P Corcoran congratulating P Patton on the successful undertaking of his Topics role on the night

Confidence, Community and Continued Growth

The meeting closed with evaluations and reflections, reinforcing Speak Easy Mallow’s supportive environment where members are encouraged to grow, challenge themselves, and celebrate progress – one speech at a time.

Speak Easy Mallow continues to be a welcoming space for anyone looking to develop confidence, leadership and communication skills in a friendly and encouraging setting.

L Flynn chatting with B Buckley on the night

New members and visitors are always welcome.

Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters Shine at October Meeting

J Marina Camarasa & P Corcoran

The Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters hosted another engaging evening of speeches, storytelling, and laughter on October 30th, drawing members and guests to their regular meeting in Mallow Hibernian Hotel.

---

Club President P Corcoran opened the meeting with a warm welcome and words of encouragement, noting the club’s continued energy as the calendar years nears it's close.

H Giles, P Corcoran & M Cronin

Taking charge as Toastmaster, M Cronin guided the evening with ease and good humour, ensuring a relaxed and friendly atmosphere throughout.

---

Teamwork and a Touch of Poetry

Every meeting at Speak Easy Mallow is a team effort, and this one was no exception. H Giles led an entertaining Topics session, L Flynn kept everyone on track as Timekeeper, and R Liston provided overall insight as General Evaluator.

The literary highlight came from P Patton, who delighted the room with a lively reading of “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot. Rounding off the support roles, P Gallagher served as Ah Counter and Grammarian, helping speakers stay sharp and polished.

P Patton

---

Speeches that Moved and Motivated

The prepared speeches showcased the range of talent and creativity that Speak Easy Mallow is known for.

• Juan Marina Camarasa delivered his first speech - his Icebreaker speech, “An Introduction – About Me and Motorbikes”, sharing his story with humour and warmth. He was evaluated by P Corcoran.

J Marina Camarasa & R Liston

• James McConville entertained with “May Contain Small Parts”, a witty reflection on communication and IKEA construction, evaluated by B Buckley.

• P Sexton closed the segment with a thoughtful and powerful piece titled “Strange Fruit”, evaluated by M Lynes.

P Sexton

---

Encouragement and Growth

Following a short tea break, members took to the floor once more for an impromptu table topics session, offering plenty of laughter and quick thinking. The meeting ended, as always, with evaluations and positive, constructive feedback.

Club President P Corcoran summed up the evening’s spirit, saying, “Every meeting reminds us why we come together – to learn, to laugh, and to lift each other up.”

B Buckley celebrating the club's status as a select distinguished club 2024/25

---

Join the Next Meeting

Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters continues to offer a welcoming space for anyone wishing to improve their confidence and communication skills in a supportive and social setting.

H Giles, M Lynes, B Buckley & P Sexton

Guests are always welcome at upcoming meetings. For more information about Toastmasters, visit the club’s Facebook page or come along to see what the Speak Easy experience is all about. Our next meeting is November 13th 2025 at 8pm in the Hibernian Hotel Mallow.

B Buckley

Stories, Straw & Spark: A Night of Inspiration at Mallow Toastmasters

As the evenings draw in and the year moves swiftly along, P Corcoran, our ever-enthusiastic President, opened last week’s meeting with warm housekeeping notes and a reminder that the club year is flying by. He encouraged members to step forward and fill the agenda — so if you have a speech ready to share, be sure to speak with our VPE, M O’Regan.

Our Toastmaster of the evening, M Fitzpatrick, guided us seamlessly through a lively and well-balanced agenda, while B Buckley, as Topicsmaster, kept everyone on their toes with a fun and thought-provoking impromptu speaking session. H Giles kept us all on schedule as the diligent Timekeeper, ensuring a smooth flow from start to finish.

The evening began on a creative note with C O’Connell, our Poet for the night, who delighted the audience with her own beautiful composition “Angel Maid.”

Speeches That Inspired and Entertained

The first speech of the evening came from M O’Donnell, delivering her icebreaker, “Travel… A Beginner’s Mind.” It was an inspiring reflection on the openness and curiosity that travel can spark — an excellent introductory speech aptly evaluated by P Corcoran.

Next, L Flynn transported us through time with “Strawing,” a fascinating exploration of how straw has woven its way through Irish storytelling and tradition. N O’Connor offered thoughtful and encouraging feedback on this rich historical topic.

Our final prepared speech came from M Cronin, who entertained with “Are You Indecisive?… I Am Not Sure.” The humour and relatability of his delivery kept everyone smiling, and T O’Sullivan provided a succinct and supportive evaluation.

The meeting wrapped up with a comprehensive general evaluation from P Gallagher, who highlighted the evening’s strong structure, enthusiasm, and engagement from all participants.

---

Looking Ahead — Upcoming Meeting (October 30th, 2025)

Next week promises another fantastic evening of speeches and creativity. We’ll enjoy 4 speeches on the night:

1. C O’Connell – 6-minute speech evaluated by B Buckley

2. H Giles – evaluated by P Corcoran

3. P Sexton – evaluated by M Lynes

4. J McConville - evaluated by Marie Fitzpatrick

It’s shaping up to be another inspiring meeting filled with learning, laughter, and connection — a reminder of what makes our Toastmasters community so special.

If you’ve been thinking about stepping up to the lectern, now’s the time. Do you have a wedding speech or work commitment to practice for? Practising English? Toastmasters might just be the place for you!

Join us as a guest this coming Thursday (30th October) in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow at 8pm (entrance fee €7 for room cover). See you there!

Toastmasters Campaign of Connection Bus Tour Makes a Memorable Stop in Cork City

Members of the Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters Club were delighted to attend the Toastmasters Campaign of Connection Bus Tour during its Cork City stop on Friday, 10th October 2025.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed and treated to a vibrant joint meeting hosted by Bishopstown Toastmasters Club at the Imperial Hotel.

The event opened with a gracious welcome from Patricia Radley - Division A Director, who acknowledged the attendance of over 15 clubs from across the district — a testament to the strong sense of community that defines Toastmasters.

District 71 Director, Máiréad Dillon, shared an inspiring personal story of how her Toastmasters journey began. Once on the verge of winning a local golf tournament, she purposefully faltered on the final hole due to her fear of public speaking — a moment that ultimately led her to Toastmasters. Her story was a powerful reminder of how this organisation transforms lives by helping people find their voice and confidence.

The meeting’s Toastmaster, John Casey, extended a warm welcome to Cork City’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr. Ciara O’Connor. Originally from Mallow, the Deputy Lord Mayor fondly recalled her own schooldays and early exposure to Toastmasters. She reflected on how the organisation’s mission aligns perfectly with Cork’s identity as “...a city of welcomes and a city of voices.” She concluded by thanking all members — both in-person and online — for their ongoing positive contributions to civic life.

The first speaker, Paul O’Mahony, shared a captivating retelling of The Parable of the Good Samaritan, illustrating how speakers can create their own modern parables within speeches. His message resonated deeply with both seasoned and aspiring speakers.

A unique highlight followed as Lilian Courtney treated attendees to a beautiful musical performance of Spancil Hill — a delightful and rare addition to a Toastmasters event. The performance provided the perfect transition into the morning break, where members from across clubs enjoyed connecting, exchanging ideas, and sharing their experiences.

After the break, Saswatee Banerjee captivated the audience with her speech on archaeology in the Indus Valley, drawing fascinating parallels between ancient history and modern life. Her insights were both educational and deeply engaging.

Next, Niamh Aherne, our poet in residence, delivered her original poem “Crows Calling.” Though light-hearted in tone, it carried a poignant environmental message — a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect pollinators. Maith thú, Niamh!

James B. Cole then took to the stage as Topicsmaster, energising the room with a series of thought-provoking and entertaining impromptu topics. From “the scariest thing imaginable” to “explaining the forbidden fruit to God,” his imaginative prompts kept everyone both challenged and amused.

Sharon Sheahan served as General Evaluator, offering constructive feedback and insightful evaluations that encouraged growth and reflection among the speakers.

To conclude the session, Kevin O’Reilly, Club Growth Director, shared his deeply personal reason for joining Toastmasters. His moving account of rediscovering his voice after more than 30 years of silence left a lasting impression on everyone present.

The event concluded with District 71 Director - Máiréad Dillon leading a photo session, presenting awards and celebrating the success of an inspiring and energising gathering.

All in all, it was a wonderful meeting — a celebration of storytelling, learning, and connection. We look forward to the next opportunity to meet fellow Toastmasters from across the district and continue sharing in the spirit of growth and communication.

Finding Our Voice: A Reflective and Inspiring Evening at Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters

The third meeting of the 2025/26 Toastmasters year took place on Thursday, October 2nd at the Hibernian Hotel, where members and guests gathered once again to share ideas, stories, and inspiration in a warm, supportive atmosphere.

Opening the Meeting

Club President Paul C opened the evening by reaffirming the Toastmasters motto — “to provide a supportive and positive learning experience where members develop communication and leadership skills, leading to increased self-confidence and personal growth.”

Paul also paid tribute to the late Jane Goodall, sharing one of her timeless reflections on humanity and compassion — a fitting opening for an evening centred on communication and connection.

Announcements and Contest News

Members were reminded of the upcoming Online Speech Contest, taking place on Sunday, October 5th at 6pm, with the winner progressing to the next round on October 19th. These contests provide an excellent opportunity for members to challenge themselves, receive feedback, and showcase the speaking and leadership skills honed throughout the year.

The Evening’s Roles and Flow

Serving as Toastmaster for the evening, Margaret O’R guided proceedings with professionalism and poise, supported by Michael C as Topicsmaster and Gillian H as General Evaluator.

With four guests in attendance, the energy in the room was bright and welcoming — a true reflection of Speak Easy Mallow’s reputation as a friendly and encouraging club.

Poet’s Corner

The evening began with a thoughtful reading by Liam F, who shared “Digging” by Seamus Heaney. The poem’s themes of work, roots, and reflection resonated deeply with the audience, setting a contemplative tone for the speeches that followed.

Prepared Speeches

Three engaging and varied speeches filled the evening:

• “You Remind Me of the Baroque” — a motivational and creative address by Bobby B, exploring personal inspiration and artistic influence.

• “The Leaving” — a presentation mastery speech by Marie L, blending emotional insight with eloquent delivery.

• “The Warm-Up Act” — a humorous and engaging talk from Paul C, offering a light-hearted close to the prepared speeches.

Each presentation showcased the diversity of speaking styles and subjects that make every Toastmasters meeting unique.

Table Topics and Evaluations

The impromptu speaking session, led by Michael C, invited participants to think quickly and creatively on their feet — always a highlight of the evening. The subsequent evaluations, coordinated by General Evaluator Gillian H, offered speakers constructive and encouraging feedback, reinforcing the club’s ethos of growth through positivity.

Looking Ahead

The meeting concluded on a high note, with members and guests alike leaving inspired by the quality of speeches and camaraderie shared.

The next meeting of Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters will be held on Thursday, October 16th at 8pm at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow. Guests are always welcome to attend — no prior speaking experience required.