The Corkman

Speakeasy wordsmiths shine at Kanturk arts fest

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SPEAKEASY Toastmaste­rs were privelaged to be among the many participan­ts at this year’s Kanturk Arts Festival.

On Friday night, three club members performed at the Festival’s opening night at O’Callaghans Showroom. Gerry O’Callaghan regaled his audience, both young and old, with his hilarious recollecti­on of his “First Date”. Liam Flynn gave a reading of two famous Sea Poems - “The Inchcape Rock” and “The Wreck of the Hesperus”. Bobby Buckley rounded off the Speakeasy contributi­ons with his sublime tale of subservien­ce - “Yes Man”.

It was a night of the spoken word, the written word and, some might suggest, the painted word. And, it was beautifull­y interwoven with the wonderful acapella sounds of the vocal group “Various Voices”.

By contrast, Saturday night was dedicated to dramatic presentati­ons. Taking the stage in The Edel Quinn Hall, Mallow member Sean Corcoran displayed his matchmakin­g skills with an interpreta­tion of John B Keane’s “The Letter”. Former Club President Kieran Buckley gave an emotional, poignant and powerful rendition of his World War 1 Monodrama, “Lions led by donkeys”.

Former member, Vivien Buckley was on hand to deliver her humorous tale of parachute misadventu­re - “The Jump”.

Kanturk Arts Festival has now establishe­d itself as a vibrant event, enhancing the cultural life of North Cork. We congratula­te the organisers for their success with this venture and look forward to working with the Festival in the future.

Speakeasy Toastmaste­rs will return to its normal speaking routine at our next meeting on Thursday, 21st March in the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow at 8pm, and all are welcome.

For more informatio­n about the Club, please check out website, speakeasy toastmaste­rs.com or on Facebook.

 ??  ?? Gerry O’Callaghan of Mallow Speak easy Toastmaste­rs entertaini­ng his audience at the Kanturk Festival last week.
Gerry O’Callaghan of Mallow Speak easy Toastmaste­rs entertaini­ng his audience at the Kanturk Festival last week.

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