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

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

A Night to Remember

 Last Thursday’s Toastmasters meeting offered a rich tapestry of heartfelt poetry, inspirational stories, sharp wit, and historical insight – truly a night to remember!

Alex Kazoba opened the evening with his original poem, Proud to be Ugandan. In this moving piece, Alex painted a vivid portrait of the natural beauty of his homeland, “the Pearl of Africa.” With poignant lines like “the rivers that flow love inside me” and “Lakes of sympathy” that brought rains to “wash away” his tears, Alex gave us a glimpse into both the pride and the pain woven into his love for Uganda. We were privileged to witness such a personal and powerful expression.

The evening stayed rooted in Uganda as Margaret O’Regan took us there in her speech, Sunset of Life. Margaret shared her experience volunteering for ten months in 2018, bringing her nursing skills to a project supporting elderly Ugandans—many of whom live isolated lives due to the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic. Working in a team alongside local people like Alex Kazoba, Margaret helped establish three day centres that continue to provide essential health care, companionship, and joy. “It was a blessing,” she reflected, “for them and for me.”

Pat Sexton treated us to a reprise of his hilarious speech, Antarctica, chronicling a not-so-epic journey from Mallow to Mullingar in his brand new Tesla. With dry wit, he described receiving a “bonus fire extinguisher” and likened his sleek electric car to a “laptop on wheels.” As the battery dwindled and the heater gave out, Pat drew parallels with Shackleton’s famed Endurance expedition — only to add that at least Tom Crean didn’t suffer from “range anxiety”! Pat will take this brilliant piece to Solihull in two weeks as he represents Division A in the Humorous Speech Contest — best of luck, Pat!

In The Story of O’Neill, Marie Lynes offered a thought-provoking exploration of the legendary Hugh O’Neill. Far from the simple hero of history books, O’Neill emerged as a nuanced and complex figure. Marie encouraged anyone intrigued by his story to catch Making History by Brian Friel, running at the Everyman Theatre in Cork until Saturday, April 26th.

Paul Corcoran wrapped up the evening with the second of his speeches on Managing Projects Successfully. His current project: revamping the website for his celebrant business. Though he admitted that “real life got in the way,” Paul shared valuable lessons learned — especially the power of teamwork and the surprising motivation of a tight deadline. He urged members to apply Toastmasters projects to real-life goals.

With such a wide variety of subjects and styles, last Thursday’s meeting was a perfect showcase of the warmth, wit, and wisdom at the heart of Speakeasy Toastmasters. We’ll be doing it all again next Thursday, May 1st — and with just four meetings left, now’s the perfect time to visit us before the season ends.

Why not come along and see what we’re all about?

speakeasytoastmasters.com

Speakers: Paul Corcoran, Marie Lynes, Margaret O'Regan, Alex Kazoba (poem) and Pat Sexton

Topicsmaster, Liam Flynn  Toastmaster Rachel Liston and standing in for President Bobby Buckley, Noel O'Connor

Evaluators, Brendan Foley, Rachel Liston, Claire O'Connell and Michael Cronin

A Weekend of Contests

In early April Toastmaster Division Contests were held throughout Ireland. On Saturday April 5th, Bobby Buckley was a contestant in the Division M Speech Final in Dublin with his speech, Conclave and Me’. In spite of a fine performance, Bobby was edged out of the awards. First prize went to Aine Ni Ghlinn of Rathfarnham, who was a recent visitor to our club.

On Sunday April 6th the Division A Finals were held in Cork . It was an afternoon of friendship, rivalry and great speaking!..Pat Sexton competed in the Speech Evaluation Contest. Anne Lawlor from Tralee gave the ‘test speech’ and five contestants from different areas offered evaluations on it. Displaying his signature incisiveness and wit, Pat Sexton won First Place. Anthony Garvey of Tralee Toastmasters won the Speech Contest. Both Pat and Anthony will now go forward to the District 71 Irish and British Finals in Solihull in early May. We wish them the best of Luck!

Our next meeting is on this Thursday,April 17th. Why not come along and see what happens at a meeting? You’ll be glad you did!

speakeasytoastmasters.com

Speakeasy Meeting on April 3rd

 On April 3rd, Paul Corcoran, our Vice President Education, stepped up as

Toastmaster for the evening. He led the meeting with his usual professionalism and

attention to detail. He reminded us all of one of the core benefits of Toastmasters :

confidence—a quality he embodies fully. It comes as no surprise that Paul has been

appointed Area 17 Director for the coming year. Well deserved, Paul.

James McConville attended our meeting as a guest and shared a very moving

original poem of his; Salt in the Wound. His haunting images of the ravages of war

and ‘the wounds that will not heal’ left a lasting impression.

Pat Sexton delivered a heartfelt speech Johnny Cannot Read recounting a

classmate’s struggle with undiagnosed dyslexia. His story was both emotional and

thought-provoking. He questioned current funding priorities in education. ‘ Instead of

introducing universal benefits for pupils’, he asked ’should we target support where

the needs are greatest?’

We were delighted to welcome two guests from Tralee Toastmasters at this meeting.

One of these, Anne Lawlor delivered an inspiring speech entitled Carpe Diem. Citing

Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society she encouraged us all to ‘Seize the Day’ This

spirit of adventure earned her a scholarship to study in Sydney for a year and as a

teacher in a special school, it inspired her to abandon the schoolroom and take the

students to delight in the wonder of playing in the snow for a day!. Ann definitely lives

by her motto and leads by example.

Bobby Buckley revisited his insightful and humorous speech, Conclave and Me, about his visit to the film ,Conclave. This very impressive presentation demonstrated

how even seasoned speakers in Toastmasters can gain from evaluations and

positive recommendations. Bobby qualified for the Division M Final in Dublin with this

very entertaining speech.

Acting as Topicsmaster, Margaret O’Regan elicited very amusing replies to some

topics she posed ‘What is the nicest thing someone ever said about you?’

In her role as Grammarian, our guest, Áine Quinn from Tralee, challenged us to

include the word ‘rejuvenate’ in our contributions and offered a delightful summary of

the evening’s most vivid and expressive language.

We will do it all again on Thursday, April 17th and guests are always welcome.

Come along, observe, enjoy: and remember, there’s never any pressure to speak.

Speakeasytoastmasters.com

Top Table: Paul Corcoran as Toastmasters, Margaret O'Regan as Topics Master, Bobby Public as President

Speakers: Bobby Buckley, Anne Lawlor, Pat Sexton

Evaluators: Marie Lynes, Michael Cronin, Marie Fitzpatrick

Speak Easy 20th March 2025

 Marie Fitzpatrick led last week’s meeting with grace and style as Toastmaster. Jillian Harris, as Topics master, sparked lively contributions ranging from Marrakech to the Healy Pass and exploring how childhood crawling might influence our sense of direction!

Claire O’Connell shared her thought-provoking poem, The Starter Encore, offering a sharp focus on inequality.

Brendan Foley’s speech, Procrastination Think Again, reassured us that we are not alone in delaying tasks — 90% of people admit to it!. He provided practical strategies to avoid the stress and guilt of procrastination, reminding us that the longest journey begins with a single step.

In Robert and the Tannhäuser, Bobby Buckley reflected on his youthful dreams of athletic glory, fuelled by Wagner’s Tannhäuser Overture played on an old gramophone. While his goals and music have changed over time, his will to win, even at Toastmasters, remains strong.

Paul Corcoran delivered a master class in project organisation with, Revamping My Business. His long term goal is to expand his practice. His short term focus is to optimise his website. Using a WhatsApp group and a shared Google document, he structured his process and set a clear deadline — an update speech in four weeks at Speakeasy. We look forward to hearing about his progress.

A big thank you to all who contributed, including Helsa Giles (Timer), Rachel Liston (General Evaluator) and Paul Corcoran (VPE) who always ensures smooth meetings with his agenda planning.

We meet again in the Hibernian Hotel on Thursday, April 3rd at 7.50pm.

Guests are always welcome and will not be asked to speak.

Toastmaster, Marie Fitzpatrick, President Bobby Buckley and Topicsmaster, Jillian Harris

Speakers and Poetmaster: Brendan Foley, Bobby Buckley, Claire O'Connell, and Paul Corcoran.

The Evaluators: Marie Fitzpatrick, Pat Sexton, and Margaret O'Regan.

Pat Sexton Wins Area 17 Speech Evaluation Contest

Congratulations to Pat Sexton, who emerged victorious in the Area 17 Speech Evaluation Contest in Tralee and will now go on to represent Area 17 at the Division A Finals in Cork on April 6th.

Paul Gallagher acted as our genial Toastmaster for the evening on March 6th, setting the tone by reminding us of the power of language—“the lens through which we see the world.”

Don McSweeney opened the presentations with a romantic poem from the 1500s. Many will remember Sonnet 29 from the English textbook Soundings, where Shakespeare expresses feelings of self-doubt and despair before finding solace in the love of his beloved, declaring he would not trade his fate for that of a king.

Marking the approach of International Women’s Day, Marie Lynes delivered a stirring tribute to Hanna Sheehy Skeffington, the Kanturk-born suffragette, nationalist, and social reformer. Hanna endured imprisonment, the loss of her teaching position, and the unlawful execution of her husband, Francis, yet she remained steadfast in her fight for justice and equality. Marie urged us to draw inspiration from Hanna’s unwavering belief that a more just society is always possible.

Rachel Liston’s speech, Play to Your Strengths, illustrated how this principle has shaped her career. Her early love of gardening fostered curiosity about the natural world, while her logical and analytical approach led her to the study of Science. Clarity and precision became her strengths, suiting her role in a pharmaceutical company. However, she emphasized that playing to one’s strengths does not mean limiting oneself. She takes pride in expanding her skill set, and her confidence as a speaker has flourished through Toastmasters.

Jillian Harris provided an insightful behind-the-scenes look at the organization of the 200th-anniversary celebrations of St. James’ Church in Mallow in her speech, What Goes on in the Background. A dedicated committee oversaw the year-long events, and she highlighted the importance of fostering a positive working environment where skills were shared, communication was key, and respect was paramount. There were challenges along the way, including learning to delegate and overcoming unforeseen obstacles—such as an issue with the church’s electrics during the grand Christmas Concert in December—but all the effort culminated in a resounding success.

The evening concluded with a lively Topics Session, led by Helsa Giles, featuring thought-provoking questions such as “What advice would you give Romeo before he met Juliet?” and “Is the pen mightier than the sword?”

📅 Our next meeting takes place on Thursday, March 20th, at 7:50 PM. Everyone is welcome!

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The ladies at Speakeasy stand together for International Women's Day. L to R. Claire O'Connell, Jillian Harris, Marie Lynes, Rachel Liston, Helsa Giles, Margaret O'Regan and Marie Fitzpatrick

Pat Sexton, Speakeasy, receives First Place from Ann Lawlor, Director and Derry Butler, President Tralee Toastmasters.

Paul Corcoran, General Evaluator, and Don McSweeney who presented 'poem of the day'

Evaluators: Margaret O'Reagan, Bobby Buckley, and Pat Sexton 

Speakers: Rachel Liston, Jillian Harris, and Marie Lynes