Mullingar Toastmasters reunite to celebrate 100-year anniversary
Toastmasters International, founded in 1924, is celebrating a remarkable century of empowering individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Over the 100 years, it has grown from a small group focused on honing public speaking skills into a global organisation with members in more than 140 countries.
Toastmaster clubs, of which Mullingar Toastmasters is one, offer a supportive environment for people to develop confidence, leadership abilities, and communication skills through practice, feedback, and mentorship. The milestone reflects the enduring impact of the organisation on personal and professional growth, helping millions of individuals break barriers, inspire change and find their voices. As it enters its second century, Toastmasters continues to evolve, fostering connection, collaboration, and skill development in an ever changing world.
Most people come to toastmasters to improve their speaking or get ready for a speaking event. What all members say is that they come to improve their speaking but stay for the connection, community and the enjoyment.
Mullingar Toastmasters invited past members to their 100-year celebration, and it was a special night. All past members wanted to come, which was a great sign. Those that were able to attend were Geraldine Smith, Maria Costello, Anne Drury, Oliver Higgins, Mary Fallow, Ann Eighan, Daniel Lynam, Nancy Ormond, Ronan Murtagh, Eamonn Ratigan and Rachel Waldron. Club president Deirdre Bigley said: “It was such an honour to have old friends reunited and to meet the people who put the foundations in place for this special award-winning club.”
Speakers on the night included Deirdre Lynch doing her fist speech, which was about how warm and welcoming the people were in the club, making it easy for her to join. Brian McLoughlin’s comedy speech ‘Living next door to Alice’ had the audience entertained and enthralled. Anne Drury, former club president and current president of Active Ireland, explained how Toastmasters allowed her to excel in her own active retirement.
The final speaker was Chele Crawley, who is recovering from cancer and gaveus a heartwarming, self-depreciating and hilarious speech about her journey. Members are grateful to two guests on the night for coming. The meeting was expertly run by Anke Von Bunau.
Finally, the club had great success recently when two experienced Toastmasters – the charismatic Pat Kenny and the literary genius that is Brian McLoughlin won area contests. Pat won the humorous competition, and Brian won the table topics competition. We wish them the best of luck in the Division final.
The next meeting is at the Greville Arms Hotel on Thursday November 14 at 8pm. New members always welcome.
Find Mullingar Toastmasters on Facebook or email mullingartoastmasters@gmail.com.