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!