Castlebar Toastmasters celebrate 100 years of Toastmasters International

CASTLEBAR Toastmasters hosted a 'walk and talk' event around Lough Lannagh to mark the 100th anniversary of Toastmasters International, which will be officially celebrated on October 22.

The gathering saw the participation of members of Castlebar Toastmasters, their families, friends, and members of the wider community. Attendees included Kieran Gannon, Frances Leonard, Damian Fleming, Anne Grady, Willie Creighton, Eddie Pierik, Kathy Burke, Caitríona Doyle (club president) and Siobhán Phillips (area director).

The aim of the event was not only to commemorate this important milestone but also to introduce the benefits of Toastmasters to new members of the community.

Throughout the walk, members shared their personal experiences of joining Toastmasters and the transformations they have undergone as part of the organisation.

While Toastmasters is known for helping individuals overcome their fear of public speaking and build self-confidence, members emphasised that the benefits extend far beyond that. The variety of speeches - some humorous, some moving - are a core part of what makes Toastmasters an enriching experience.

“We hope to continue reaching out to more people in the community, offering them a welcoming and supportive environment where they can enhance their speaking and leadership skills,” said Kieran Gannon, a longstanding member of Castlebar Toastmasters.

Castlebar Toastmasters extends an invitation to all who are interested to join their next meeting on Tuesday, October 22, at 7 p.m. in the Mayo Education Centre, Castlebar. This date holds special significance as it marks exactly 100 years since the very first Toastmasters meeting took place.

The event promises to be a memorable evening celebrating a century of fostering communication and leadership development across the world.