Kieran takes top prize in North Cork final

KIERAN BUTLER of Speakeasy Toastmasters emerged as winner in the North Cork Area Final of the Humorous Speech Contest, which was hosted by Fermoy Toastmasters.

In front of a large audience the Cecilstown native dazzled with his quick wit and confessional style as he told the sad tale of his “Development”. To great amusement, he outlined his addiction to all forms of courses and classes - from foreign languages to under-graduate modules and the “crystal meth” of his obsession, The Masters Degree! His attempts at going “cold turkey” were stymied by watching reruns of Love Island, Big Brother and Gogglebox.

Claire O’Connell of Doneraile finished as runner-up with her curious tale of her love affair with “Cal Sharp”.

This was a hugely imaginative story of an improbable relationship with her calculator. They didn’t have chemistry, only arithmetic! It all added up to a very entertaining performance.

Kieran and Claire will now go forward to represent Speakeasy at the Munster Division Final in Charleville Park Hotel on Sunday, November 25. Accompaning Kieran and Claire on that occasion will be Pat Sexton and Ray Ryan, who finished First and Second respectively in the Area Final of the Table Topics Contest.

Contestants we’re challenged to address the question of TV Soaps - do they reflect reality or are they pure fantasy? There was much discussion on the detrimental aspects of soaps and the smugness they induce - our lives couldn’t possibly be as miserable as those lived by the soap characters!

The next meeting of Speakeasy Toastmasters Club will take place on Thursday, 15th November in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow at 8pm. If you are interested in mastering the skills of good communication, interested in a good night’s entertainment or merely curious about Toastmasters, why not pay us a visit? Guests are always welcome.