A plus for Toastmasters ahead of summer break

A big ‘A plus’ for Mullingar was the message that reverberated through the room at the last meeting of the local Toastmasters. In his final appearance as club president, Brian McLoughlin welcomed all, before handing over to Toastmaster of the night, the ‘shockingly electric’ John Coyne.

John introduced a geographical and asked members to name their favourite holiday destinations. Locations in Galway, Mayo and Clare featured heavily.

Fáilte officer Jacqui Wiley and timer Julie Kiernan then explained their roles, before first speaker, Eilish Fox, in ‘Disconnecting for Greater Connection’ called on members to put aside their phones in order to promote greater face-to-face interaction and sleep hygiene, a plea that fell on deaf ears for one member, whose mobile began to buzz!

Next, Patsy Fagan, in ‘One of Ireland’s Greatest Politicians’, spoke of the late Donogh O’Malley, who, as minister of education, proposed free secondary education in 1966… much to the surprise of his political bosses.

Deirdre Bigley delivered the final speech, entitled ‘Part 2-The End’, in which she showed how Mullingar Toastmasters had set records for membership levels, local and international contests, workshops and more.

Evaluators, Pat Kenny, Linda Gavagan and Philip Howlin, praised the speakers for their body language, historical knowledge and verve, and offered a few suggestions too.

A ‘Creative Corner’ followed as Jacqui Willey read a poem she had written for her granddaughter. You could have heard a pin drop.

After a break for tea and chat, the AGM was held and a new committee, full of energy and talent, was elected.

Closing the meeting, Brian, once again, wished members well for their summer break and they responded with a warm ‘adieu’.

The next meeting of Mullingar Toastmasters is on Thursday September 12 at 8pm in the Greville Arms Hotel. All welcome.

– Anthony Viney public relations officer