Second-last meeting of the season blends engaging speeches, club leadership and celebration of district achievements
Contest Chair Tina Norbury (right) presents the results of the Table Topics Competition at the 2026 Rose Conference in Tralee. Pictured from left: Satya Morarji (2nd), James McGinty (1st), and Pat Sexton (3rd).
Peter Patton as Toastmaster for the Second Last Speak Easy Meeting of the Year
Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters gathered on Thursday, May 14th in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow for the second-last meeting of the 2025–26 Toastmasters year, bringing together members and guests for another enjoyable and engaging evening of communication, confidence-building and personal development.
With the season gradually drawing to a close, the evening reflected the warmth, energy and supportive atmosphere that has defined the club throughout the year. Members stepped forward to take on roles, deliver speeches and continue developing their skills in a supportive and encouraging environment.
🌟 A Smoothly Run Evening of Learning and Leadership
The meeting was led by President Paul Corcoran, with Peter Patton taking on the role of Toastmaster and guiding the evening with confidence and professionalism. The Topics session was delivered by Paul Gallagher, encouraging participants to think on their feet and step outside their comfort zone through impromptu speaking. James McConville acted as General Evaluator for the evening.
A reflective poem, “The Guy in the Glass” by Peter "Dale" Wimbrow Sr, added a thoughtful moment to proceedings and helped set the tone for an evening centred on growth and reflection. Read by guest Folusho Ishole, it was a welcome first time speaking opportunity in the club.
🎤 Speeches That Entertained and Inspired
The meeting featured an engaging selection of prepared speeches, each showcasing the development and individuality of members on their Toastmasters journey:
Trevor O’Sullivan delivered “The Mountain Pursuit Challenge Experience”, an engaging speech that entertained the audience while demonstrating creativity and strong storytelling. He was evaluated by Olivia Cashman, who provided supportive and constructive feedback as a first time evaluator.
Liam Flynn presented “Funny Ways to Grow”, a Presentation Mastery icebreaker speech, combining insight and humour to connect with the audience. His evaluator, Juan Miguel Camarasa, highlighted strengths while offering valuable guidance for continued development, even for Liam, an established speaker in the club.
Each speech reflected the club’s focus on building confidence and communication skills in an atmosphere where every member is encouraged to grow at their own pace.
📚 Constructive Evaluations and Shared Learning
As always, a key strength of the evening was the quality of evaluations. Members received thoughtful, practical feedback designed to encourage progress while recognising achievements.
This spirit of support and development remains central to Toastmasters — ensuring every meeting becomes an opportunity to improve, connect and grow.
🌹 Celebrating District Success at The Rose Conference 2026
There was further cause for celebration for Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters as club member Pat Sexton proudly represented Division A at the prestigious District 71 Finals during The Rose Conference 2026, held in Tralee from May 7th–8th in all 3 competitions - International Speech Contest, Evaluation Contest & Table Topics Contest respectively. No small feat! Overseeing the proceedings for the International Speech Contest was Speak Easy's very own President and Area Director Paul Corcoran. We are very proud of both club members for representing Mallow this year and look forward to their continued success.
The Rose conference brought together Toastmasters from across Ireland and the UK for a weekend of leadership, learning and high-level competition, culminating in the district speech contests.
Competing in the highly challenging Table Topics Contest — Toastmasters’ impromptu speaking competition — Pat took to the stage alongside the district’s strongest speakers, demonstrating composure, quick thinking and the courage that defines the Toastmasters spirit.
👏 A huge congratulations to Pat Sexton, who secured an outstanding 3rd place finish at District level — an incredible achievement and a proud moment for Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters and the wider Mallow community.
To place on the podium at District level against competitors from across the UK and Ireland is no small accomplishment and reflects Pat’s dedication, experience and continued commitment to public speaking excellence.
Every contestant who competed at District level demonstrated remarkable courage and skill, showing the very best of Toastmasters in action. Pat’s success is a reminder of what is possible when individuals are willing to step outside their comfort zone, continue learning, and develop confidence through practice and perseverance.
Paul Corcoran named Toastmaster of the Year 2025/26
🗳️ AGM Marks an Important Club Milestone
Following the meeting, members remained for the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), reflecting on the achievements of the year and looking ahead to the future of Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters.
The AGM provided an opportunity to discuss the continued growth of the club, celebrate progress, and begin preparations for another successful Toastmasters year.
🎯 Looking Ahead – The Final Meeting of the Season
Excitement is already building for the final meeting of the 2025–26 season, taking place on Thursday, May 28th in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow.
The evening promises another night full of energy, learning and laughter, with speeches, impromptu speaking and evaluations in the supportive and encouraging environment that members and guests have come to value.
👉 Guests are warmly invited to join us at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, from 7.45pm for an 8pm start, finishing at 10pm.
Whether you are looking to improve public speaking, build confidence, strengthen leadership skills or simply try something new, all are welcome.
Speak Easy Mallow Toastmasters continues to provide a space where members and guests alike can grow, connect, and find their voice. 🎤
