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.

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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.

Reflecting, Remembering and Re-Energising: Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters September Meeting

The evening of Thursday, 18th September 2025 saw members and guests gather at the Hibernian Hotel for another engaging and inspiring Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters meeting. From thoughtful reflections to light-hearted exchanges, the night was a reminder of the power of words, stories, and supportive community.

Club Business and Announcements

President Paul C opened proceedings by updating the club on the recent District 71 Council Meeting and announcing an upcoming online speech contest on October 5th, with speeches running between five and seven minutes.

Our Vice President for Education, Margaret O’R, added a creative note to the evening by revealing the theme for an October meeting: “The Masks We Wear” — perfectly timed to coincide with the Halloween season.

Setting the Tone

The role of Toastmaster for the evening was confidently carried out by Paul G, who introduced the meeting roles with poise and clarity. Supporting him were Rachel L as Topicsmaster, Trevor O’S as Timer, and Marie L as Grammarian, who challenged us all to weave the word “disingenuous” into our contributions.

Paul G also reminded the group of a value at the very heart of Toastmasters: while civility in wider public discourse may be waning, within Toastmasters mutual respect and encouragement are part of our DNA.

Speeches that Resonated

Our first prepared speech came from James McC, who shared a moving self-written poem, “My Soul Remembers,” reflecting on the recent passing of a loved one. The heartfelt delivery created a moment of poignancy for all in attendance.

Next, Marie F delivered a thought-provoking speech entitled “8%”, complete with a bag of apples as props. With her trademark energy, Marie reminded us of the small surprises knowledge brings — such as the fact that the crab apple is the only native Irish apple. Few of us knew this before her talk, and it proved the power of Toastmasters to inform as well as inspire.

Breaking from the standard programme, Paul C then led the club through a “Moments of Truth” session. Widely used across Toastmasters clubs, this exercise helps members collectively reflect on achievements and identify areas for growth in the year ahead. It sparked enthusiastic contributions from members and guests alike, who valued the chance to share their perspectives.

Topics and Evaluations

After a much-appreciated tea break, the group launched into the always-popular Table Topics session, led by Rachel L. Topics ranged from first jobs (with tales of garden centres, strawberry picking, and beet thinning) to seasonal reflections. A highlight came when Helsa shared why Autumn is her favourite season, citing its colours, atmosphere, and energy.

The meeting concluded with evaluations, guided by General Evaluator Pat S. Evaluators provided constructive feedback on the prepared speeches, and Pat in turn offered insights into their delivery — ensuring every member left with encouragement and practical tips to improve.

Looking Ahead

It was an evening of heartfelt speeches, lively activities, and reflective discussion, reminding us of why Toastmasters is such a unique and rewarding experience.

📅 Next Meeting: Thursday, 2nd October 2025, 8pm
📍 Hibernian Hotel, Mallow
🎟️ Guests always welcome

Whether you are looking to improve your public speaking, boost your confidence, or simply enjoy an evening of stories and laughter, Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters promises a warm welcome.

 

Passing the Torch: A Vibrant Evening at Speak Easy Toastmasters Mallow

Our first September meeting was marked by tradition, inspiration, and a lively spirit of new community.

A New Toastmasters Year Begins

The evening opened with a moment of significance as our new incoming President for the 2025/26 year, Paul Corcoran, officially received the chain of office from Immediate Past President Bobby Buckley. Paul reminded members of the importance of recording speeches on the Toastmasters online platform to ensure recognition for progress along their chosen Pathways. He also encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for the District Meeting in Galway, 8–10 May 2026.

A Warm Welcome for Guests

Continuing tradition, Bobby—who has been with Toastmasters since 2009—took the role of Toastmaster (MC) for the evening. He reassured the room, especially our five guests, that at Toastmasters “you never need to speak unless you wish, and you can remain a guest for as long as you like.” With 17 members present, the room was buzzing with energy.

Speeches that Inspired

With a poem to kick us off Claire O'Connell set the mood with a thought provoking poem she wrote herself entitled: 

Queen of the Rhyme

The heart of the evening featured four engaging speeches:

• James McConville, with his icebreaker on the Visionary Leadership pathway, “Climbing Ladders, Dodging Snakes”, shared his unusual career journey. His call to action was simple yet powerful: take every opportunity to speak, because public speaking is a ladder worth climbing.

• Rachel Liston delivered “Find Your Tribe,” a heartfelt reminder of how Toastmasters can spark a love for public speaking and provide a true sense of belonging.

• Paul Gallagher, in “The More Things Change…”, reflected on the cycles of life and history, weaving in French with “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.”

• Pat Sexton, our final speaker, closed the session with “Right Away Salonika,” a powerful speech exploring societal injustice and the role of Cumann na mBan in Irish history.

Cake, Conversations & Quick Thinking

After a break filled with warm conversation (and Helsa Giles’ delicious homemade banana and walnut cake!), we jumped into the Table Topics session. Led by Jillian Harris, members and guests were invited to speak on spontaneous subjects ranging from gift vouchers to funny conversations—sparking plenty of laughter and quick thinking.

Constructive Feedback

The evening concluded with thoughtful evaluations led by General Evaluator Marie Fitzpatrick. Each speaker received constructive feedback, touching on everything from stronger openings and belief in one’s ability to effective use of pauses and voice projection.

A Meeting to Remember

Guests described the evening as “enjoyable, engaging, and beneficial”—a testament to the supportive and dynamic spirit that defines our club. Most members hung around for an additional 30 minutes because of how enjoyable the return to the club was.

📅 Join us next time!

Our next meeting takes place on Thursday, September 18th, 2025 at 8pm in the Hibernian Hotel. Guests are warmly welcome to attend free of charge.

Come for the speeches, stay for the cake, and leave with inspiration!

Area 17 Toastmasters Celebrate an Afternoon of Fellowship in Killarney

On the afternoon of Sunday, July 6th, 2025, members of Speak Easy Toastmasters Mallow attended the annual Killarney Toastmasters end-of-year celebration. Hosted at the Dromhall Hotel - the event brought together clubs from across Area 17, which spans Kerry and North Cork, and forms part of Toastmasters District 71.

Killarney Toastmasters and Friends - Dromhall Hotel, Killarney

The afternoon was filled with laughter, stories, and strong camaraderie. Entertainment was provided by Paul Byrne, a long-standing Killarney Toastmasters member, who delivered a witty and well-received poem celebrating the outgoing committee. In a beautiful surprise moment, Vicky McCarthy of Tralee Toastmasters treated the group to an impromptu song—an unforgettable performance of “The Ugly Bug Ball” that truly lifted the room.

A symbolic “changing of the guard” also took place, as the chain of office was handed over to Selma Dineen, the incoming President of Killarney Toastmasters. Anne Hannan, who served as President over the past year, was warmly acknowledged for her leadership and will now continue to support the club as Vice President Public Relations.

The event marked a special milestone: three incoming Presidents from Area 17 clubs meeting in person, sharing their unique visions and enthusiasm for their respective clubs for the year ahead:

• Selma Dineen – Killarney Toastmasters

• Paul Corcoran – Speak Easy Toastmasters, Mallow

• Vicky McCarthy – Tralee Toastmasters
  
  

  

  From Left to Right: Selma Dineen, Paul Corcoran & Vicky McCarthy

  
  

Paul Corcoran will also be taking up the role of Area 17 Director for 2025/26. Anne Lawlor did a stellar job and Paul has big shoes to fill.

Paul Corcoran & Anne Lawlor - outgoing Area Director for Area 17 Toastmasters

This gathering exemplified the spirit of Toastmasters—encouraging collaboration, communication, and community. As the 2025/26 Toastmasters year begins shortly (Thursday September, 4th, 2025 in the Hibernian Hotel Mallow) we look forward to deepening these cross-club connections and working together to strengthen public speaking and leadership across the region.

Tall Tales at Speak Easy Toastmasters

The curtain was brought down last Thursday night on another season at Speak Easy Toastmasters at The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow. Our outgoing president Bobby Buckley got proceedings under way with the introduction of his fellow officers on the night. First to be introduced to the lectern was Trevor O Sullivan who fittingly marked the occasion of our last meeting with the completion of his Level 5 Pathway with a speech entitled “Am I There Yet?”.

Contest chair for the night, Helsa Giles then commenced with our Tall Tales competition. This is a fun and imaginative event where participants deliver exaggerated, humorous or outlandish stories with the focus on storytelling, creativity and the art of stretching the truth. And without doubt our four contestants on the night ticked all of those boxes.

Margaret O Regan with a speech entitled “If your dog is your best friend, then don’t bother getting a second opinion” spun a tale that brought us into a canine world of intrigue and scheming where the main character Wagga the Tail emerged as the ultimate hero.
Liam O Flynn told the audience a story where fact is indeed stranger than fiction with Liam himself emerging the hero of the hour in coming to the assistance of American tourists. Those very same tourists had a chance re-encounter with Liam a few days later as cousins of his landlord….believe it or not…

Bobby Buckleys contribution to our Tall Tales competition was a speech entitled “Bernie and The Lederhosen”. A much younger Bobby told of a brief romance with Bernie “who was not really hot and uncool as a rule” with her posh Cork accent which proved to be all too much for Bobby. He planned his escape when Bernie on a trip to Germany brought Bobby his present of Lederhosen. The fashion faux pas was the ultimate end to loves young dream.

Tables were turned when Michael Cronin told us his tale “The Lost Conclave” where the election of the pope entering day 15 with little or no progress was interrupted with what could only have been divine intervention with the name of a new candidate one Bobby Buckley from Rathfarham, formerly of The Spa, Mallow.

Micheals Tall Tale went on to tell us that Bobby would take on the job if all of his demands were met one of which was that the job of pope would also include being President of Ireland, taking up residence in The Aras. Michaels story began to unravel when Bobby refused to accept the Papacy as it would mean his moustache would have to go…a bridge too far for our President elect.

All four contestants were commended for their efforts but alas there can only be one winner and after much deliberation by the judges our contest chair Helsa Giles presented Bobby Buckley with the honours after his speech was announced as the winner.

And so ends another year at Speak Easy Toastmasters with much to look forward to when we recommence in September. As usual we would love to see new faces in our group when we return this Autumn, why not give it a go, our meetings are always open to anyone who wishes to take part or indeed to just sit and listen to what we have on offer.

Tall Tales contestants Liam Flynn, Margaret O Regan and Bobby Buckley

Trevor O Sullivan and Speak Easy President Bobby Buckley

Open Tall Tales Speech Contest

Speakeasy Toastmasters Mallow are holding an open speech event on June 12th at 7.45pm in the Hibernian Hotel. Speakeasy has built up a tradition of ‘fantastic’ storytelling. Michael Cronin is a past International Humorous Speech champion. We will welcome any member of the public to take part in this Tall Tale Contest. Do you long for the space to show off your storytelling skills before an audience? Imagine coming with your unique tall story to make them laugh or gasp!

This may be your chance to charm, amaze or haunt us! Your story is totally up to you.

The contest is open to non-members and toastmasters from near or far. Discover the power of your own speaking voice! Each contestant will be given 4 minutes 30 seconds to 7 minutes to deliver their tale. There are two generous prizes to be won.

The Entry fee for the contest will be €5 for guests and €7 for Toastmaster members.

Even if you’re not competing, come along and enjoy the contest. Guests are always welcome.

Last Thursday we had our penultimate meeting of this season, followed by our A.G.M. It was a short but very engaging meeting. Rachel Liston gave us a fascinating introduction to Foynes Museum of Flying Boats. She described some of these luxurious, limited edition machines. We were transported back to the 1930’s to the days of pioneer aviators and Hollywood icons! Liam Flynn took us on quite a different journey! The story of the building of the Butter Road from Listowel to Cork City in the mid eighteenth century is one of great economic benefit for the farmers of the time, but one of financial ruin for its builder, John Murphy of Castleisland. 

James McConville posed some challenging topics for members under the general theme of ‘If you were in charge’ ...If you ruled the world what is the first law you would introduce? One member was certain of the first power that they would assume as ‘supreme overlord of your home’. They would insist on absolute control of the TV remote control!

We are really looking forward to our last meeting.The Tall Tales Contest could be your chance to shine! So why not: 

Find your voice, tell your tale, we’re listening

speakeasytoastmasters.com

Speakeasy Meeting on May 15th

Last Thursday evening, Speakeasy Toastmasters enjoyed yet another engaging and varied programme, thanks to the efforts of Paul Corcoran, who organised the evening’s events. Liam Flynn took the reins as Toastmaster, leading the meeting with confidence and ease.

A literary highlight came from David Buckley, who shared a moving reading of The Street by a young John B. Keane—written when Keane was just seventeen. This early poem captures both the charm and challenges of small-town life:

“Here within a single little street

Is everything that is

Of pomp and blessed poverty made sweet

...

Of hope, despair, illusion and defeat”

David’s reading offered a poignant reminder of the richness found in everyday lives and places.

Claire O’Connell delivered a passionate and thought-provoking speech titled The Great Spiritual Disconnect. She explored how modern life—with its constant digital distractions—can distance us from our inner selves, our relationships, and our sense of spirituality. Claire encouraged us to seek out silence, nature, and creative pursuits to nourish our spiritual well-being, assuring us that both mental and physical health benefit from such awareness.

Trevor O’Sullivan expertly moderated a panel discussion on How to Make the Most of Your Toastmasters Experience. The panel featured four seasoned Toastmasters: Margaret O’Regan, Paul Corcoran, Liam Flynn, and Pat Sexton. Each shared personal stories and practical advice on how Toastmasters has enriched their lives—personally and professionally. They emphasized the value of listening alongside speaking, and how rotating roles during meetings builds a wide array of communication and leadership skills. The discussion also highlighted the importance of resilience, the courage to try without needing perfection, and the growth that comes from participating in contests—even when you don’t win. It was a truly insightful and honest conversation, with Trevor guiding it all with ease and poise.

Pat Sexton then took to the stage with his usual wit, presenting us with a set of humorous and challenging Table Topics. “What’s your favourite waste of time?” —one brave member confessed to watching Reaction Videos! Another topic, “If 60 is the new 40, is 9pm the new midnight?” resonated with many in the room!

The word of the evening, impervious, was introduced by Paul Corcoran and creatively woven into the night’s responses.

A big thank you to all who contributed to a highly enjoyable meeting. Our next gathering is scheduled for May 29th, and will be followed by our Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) after the tea break. For more information, visit: speakeasytoastmasters.com

Toastmaster Liam Flynn, President Bobby Buckley and Topicsmaster Pat Sexton.

The Speakers and Evaluators: Paul Gallagher, Trevor O'Sullivan, Claire O'Connell, Don McSweeney and David Buckley.

Congratulations Pat!

Speakeasy Toastmasters are thrilled to announce that our own Pat Sexton took Second Place in the Topics Contest {impromptu speaking} at the District 71 Conference at the weekend in Solihull in the UK. The topic he had to speak on, off the cuff, was ‘What is Me Time for you?’

District 71 spans across Ireland, Scotland, Northern Wales, Northern England, Midlands, and East of England. It consists of over 200 clubs and represents 4,500 Toastmaster members. Congratulations Pat! What a great achievement!

Next Speakeasy meeting on this Thursday, May 15th in the Hibernian hotel, Mallow at 7.45pm

speakeasytoastmasters.com

Best of rivals: Brian McLoughlin of Mullingar Toastmasters with Pat Sexton, Speakeasy Toastmasters, Mallow at District 71 Conference, Solihull, England