COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLINA - WESTERN PEOPLE (MAY 20 EDITION)
Walter Corcoran, a Ballina man living in Dublin, was instrumental in establishing the first Toastmasters club in his native town 20 years ago.
Walter, who was a member of a Toastmasters club in Dublin at the time, saw the benefits which the organisation could bring to people in Ballina and, with the support of other clubs in Ireland, set up Toastmasters Ballina in 2005.
The club will mark the 20th anniversary with a celebratory night at its meeting in the Great National Hotel, Old Foxford Road, Ballina this Thursday, May 22.
Toastmasters International originated as an educational not-for-profit organisation in the USA in 1924 and came to Ireland in 1957, when the first Irish club opened in Dublin.
Every year, thousands of individuals from every part of Ireland visit Toastmasters clubs around the country seeking to improve their communication or leadership skills, for such diverse reasons as wanting to overcome a fear of public speaking, preparing for a Best Man speech, or improving interview skills.
During Toastmasters meetings, mentoring is provided in a relaxed, supportive and encouraging environment.
And, just like in all other clubs, meetings in Ballina are conducted in a light-hearted way, full of good humour and fun while, at the same time, helping to build confidence and find new friends for its members.
The Ballina club is inviting current and past members to come and join with it for this week’s 20-year celebrations.
Doors open at 7pm, with the meeting set to commence at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome on this special night.
