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

Speakeasy Toastmasters – Meeting Highlights from the 1st May 2025

Our President, Bobby Buckley, began the presentations with two poems sharing a common theme: the cherry blossom tree. In The Loveliest of Trees, the Cherry Now, written in 1895, A.E. Housman reflects on the beauty of nature and the brevity of life—an early advocate of living in the moment. The Cherry Trees, a poignant four-line poem written by Edward Thomas in 1917, evokes a deep sense of loss, as the falling blossoms mirror the absence of young men who once walked that road. Bobby delivered both poems with great sensitivity, and we were all captivated by his performance.

In his May Day speech, Liam Flynn gave us a fascinating history of the Festival of Bealtaine. He described how the pagan rituals marking the beginning of summer were later superseded by Christian traditions. Ancient bonfires lit on the hills of Slane and Tara once welcomed the sun on the 1st of May. However, in 433 AD, St. Patrick lit a Paschal fire on the Hill of Slane, boldly defying the pagan King Laoire of Tara. Bealtaine has long been associated with rituals believed to promote fertility and abundance. In time, the Christian celebration of May Day became evident throughout Ireland, with colourful May altars and heartfelt renditions of Queen of the May.

At Speakeasy, members are often inspired by one another’s speeches to explore new topics. Michael Cronin credited Don McSweeney’s talk about a visit to Ardnacrusha as the inspiration behind his own research into the Shannon Scheme. Michael uncovered a darker side to the achievement of completing what was then the world’s largest hydroelectric power station in 1929. For the newly independent state, it was a massive undertaking. At a time of widespread poverty, the promise of thousands of well-paid manual jobs and accommodation was irresistible. Sadly, the reality fell short. Wages were set at the same rate as agricultural labourers, but unlike farm workers, these men had no guaranteed food or lodging. A strike for better conditions was brutally suppressed by Joseph McGrath. The work was dangerous, with no provision for sick pay, and 47 men died during construction. Michael recounted the tragic story of one of them—Jacob Kunz, a quiet and pleasant 45-year-old German engineer. Known to carry his wages and savings on his person, Kunz was attacked on December 21st, 1928, by 31-year-old Joe Cox, who stole £80 and fled. Kunz later died from a head injury. Despite pleas for clemency, Cox was hanged at Mountjoy Prison on April 25th, 1929. The title of Michael’s speech was The Price of Progress.

Adding a lighter note to the evening, Rachel Liston posed some fun and thought-provoking questions for members. James introduced us to a new word: chumocracy, and Liam shared the origin of the emergency call “Mayday, Mayday”—it comes from the French m’aidez (“help me”).

Our next meeting is on May 15th—who knows what fascinating stories we might hear?

Visitors always welcome

Toastmaster Marie Lynes,  President Bobby Buckley and Topicsmaster Rachel Liston

Toastmaster Marie Lynes,  President Bobby Buckley and Topicsmaster Rachel Liston