The organising committee for the 50th celebrations of Ennis Toastmasters. Photograph: Vivian Daly
FIFTY YEARS of Ennis Toastmasters were celebrated over the weekend.
Past and present members of Ennis Toastmasters were joined by Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG), Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District Cllr Pat Daly (FF), Mairead Dillon Director of District 71 (Ireland and Great Britain) Toastmasters, Mark Quinn (Limerick) Toastmasters public speaking champion and well known meteorologist Michelle Dillon from Met Eireann.
The Temple Gate Hotel hosted the celebration dinner marking fifty years since the formation of a Toastmasters International speakers club.
Keynote speakers included Michelle Dillon, Mairead Dillon, Cllr Daly, Cllr Cooney, President of Ennis Toastmasters Geraldine Gregan and David Quinn (Limerick) Great Britain & Ireland Toastmaster champion.
Members of Kilrush Toastmasters, Shannon Toastmasters and Thomond Toastmasters (Limerick) were also present.
The event commenced with a drinks reception with musical entertainment from local musician Emer O’Flaherty. This was followed by a three course meal, speeches and the cutting of a special celebration cake to mark the occasion. The evening closed with conversations plus musical entertainment by local musicians led by Seán Murphy.
A special booklet was published to celebrate 50 years of Ennis Toastmasters. The booklet was supported by the Creative Ireland fund and Clare County Council along with additional sponsorship by a number of local businesses. Copies of this booklet will be available in local libraries throughout Clare.
Since 1973 Ennis Toastmasters has been helping people to become more confident public speakers and leaders. Meetings are open to anyone over 18 years of age, every second Tuesday from September to May at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis.
