25/05/2026
β¨ DSTM Meeting Summary β 19th May 2026 β¨
What an evening of unexpected adventures, reflection, laughter, and true serendipity at Dublin South Toastmasters π€
From the very beginning, the atmosphere was warm and engaging as Steve welcomed members alongside our visitors Midhun, Richard, and our good friend George from Sandyford. Our debutant Toastmaster set the tone perfectly by sharing stories of his own unexpected adventures, immediately drawing everyone into the spirit of the night.
π Monica beautifully delivered βThe Peace of Wild Thingsβ by Wendell Berry, bringing a thoughtful and calming moment to the meeting.
β¨ Nikita encouraged everyone to embrace the Word of the Day β Serendipity β while Chris, returning fresh from a different kind of Base Camp adventure, humorously reminded speakers of the dangers of going overtimeβ¦ apparently pneumonia awaits those who ignore the timer β°π
π The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Alex Hannonβs engaging Moments of Truth workshop. Rarely conducted and full of valuable insights, the session sparked lively discussion, reflection, and participation from everyone in the room. Alex deservedly earned Best Contribution of the Evening π
ποΈ Rosemary then led an energetic Table Topics session, inviting both Annas, Chris, Orna, Steve Fitzgerald, and our guest Richard to think on their feet. Huge congratulations to Orna for winning Best Table Topics Speaker π
π The evaluations brought even more value to the evening:
Imelda delivered a fantastic evaluation of the Table Topics session
Orna gave an insightful evaluation of Alexβs workshop
Eric Mullaly, as General Evaluator, wrapped up the night with a supportive and encouraging overview of the entire meeting
Another memorable evening filled with learning, encouragement, humour, and connection π«
Serendipity MomentsOfTruth PersonalGrowth DublinEvents Confidence LearningJourney
06/05/2026
π€ Dublin South Toastmasters β Meeting Recap π€
π 5th May 2026
π Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
π Tall Tales Contest Night
What a memorable evening β full of laughter, creativity, and something a little different π«
β¨ Highlights from the night:
β’ Our Tall Tales Contest gave newer members a chance to step up and try something new
β’ Brilliant speeches from Catherine Blackwell, Imelda Leahy, and Steve Fitzgerald
π Steve Fitzgerald took 1st Place, adding another win to a strong year
β’ Huge credit to Eric Mullaly (Contest Chair) and Rosemary Loughlin (Chief Judge) for running a smooth contest
β’ Recognition and awards presented by Neil for members completing Pathways levels π
After the breakβ¦ things got interesting π
π₯ We were joined by Tyrone Productions, filming a project for RTΓ about people with disabilities entering the workforce.
We had the chance to meet Brendan O'Connor and Kevin Whelan, who shared his journey stepping into public speaking for the first time.
π€ A lively Table Topics session led by Orna Mulhern
π¬ Small group discussions and supportive feedback moments
πΈ And a great group photo to finish the night
A meeting full of growth, courage, and real connection β exactly what Toastmasters is about.
π Next Meeting: 19th May
MeetingRecap PersonalGrowth
05/05/2026
π€ Tonight at Dublin South Toastmasters! π€
ποΈ Tuesday, 5th May 2026
β° Starts at 20:00 (assemble 7:45 PM)
π Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
π§Ύ Meeting #347
π Theme: Tall Tales Contest
Join us tonight for one of the most entertaining meetings of the year β our Tall Tales Contest!
Expect creativity, humour, imagination, and stories that may be just a littleβ¦ exaggerated π
β¨ Tonightβs Contest Speakers:
π Catherine Blackwell
π Imelda Leahy
π Steve Fitzgerald
Who will take the crown for the best Tall Tale and move forward in the contest? π
Also on tonightβs agenda:
π Presentation of Educational Awards
π Table Topics led by Orna Mulhern
π€ Special Segment by Tyrone Productions
π Contest judging and final results
β Networking break and great conversations
Whether you're competing, supporting, or visiting for the first time, tonight promises plenty of laughs and memorable moments.
Come along and enjoy a Toastmasters night with a twist π
Leadership ClaytonHotel DublinEvents
24/04/2026
π€ Dublin South Toastmasters β Meeting Recap π€
π 21st April 2026
π Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
π§ Word of the Day: Reinvention
A very engaging evening with 15 members and 7 guests, full of honest speaking, learning, and great energy throughout the room.
β¨ Highlights from the night:
β’ The meeting was led by Monica as President and Neil as Toastmaster
β’ Warm welcome from Eric, including our Area Director
β’ A beautiful poetic moment from Anna Ershova with βA Light Exists in Springβ
β’ Tatiana introduced the Word of the Day, while Iacob kept everyone on time
β’ Honest and engaging speeches from Alua Larkin and Anna Sherkova
β’ Monica led a lively Table Topics session, evaluated by Steven Fitzpatrick
β’ Strong evaluations from Imelda Leahy (first time π), Shantha, and David
β’ Full meeting evaluation by Teresa Cronin
β’ Insights and feedback from our Area Director Joe Bergin
π Awards of the night:
β¨ Best Contribution: Imelda Leahy
π Best Table Topics Speaker: Joe Bergin
Another meeting full of growth, reflection, and real moments β exactly what Toastmasters is about.
π Next Meeting: 5th May
π€ Tall Tales Contest | AGM | Annual Awards
PersonalGrowth
21/04/2026
β¨ Dublin South Toastmasters β Tonightβs Meeting β¨
Step into an evening of growth, fresh perspectives, and new beginnings.
π Clayton Hotel, Leopardstown
π Start: 8:00 PM
π
Tuesday, 21st April 2026
π Theme of the Night: Reinvention
A chance to reflect, reset, and explore how we evolve β both on stage and in life.
π Word of the Day: Reinvention
π€ Whatβs on the agenda?
β’ Alua Larkin β The Invisible Key (Icebreaker)
β’ Neil DβSouza β Preparing for the Unprepared Speech
β’ Anna Shakhova β I Think I Am Happy Here (Icebreaker)
β‘ Impromptu speaking with Table Topics led by Monica Diez Campa
π Supportive evaluations to help every speaker grow
π A full meeting review from General Evaluator Teresa Cronin
π Special insights from Area Director Joseph Bergin
Whether you're building confidence, improving communication, or exploring your next step β this is the place to start.
β‘οΈ Next meeting: Tuesday, 5th May 2026
See you tonight π€β¨ πβ€οΈπ
10/04/2026
β¨ Dublin South Toastmasters β Meeting Recap β¨
π
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
π Clayton Hotel, Leopardstown
A shorter meeting⦠but full of energy, stories, and growth.
π€ Theme of the Evening: Breaking Out of Your Shell
Led by Toastmaster David Curtin, the meeting encouraged everyone to step forward, take risks, and share their voice.
π Highlights from the night:
β’ Catherine Blackwell took us on an adventurous journey to Canada β from bobsleighing to seaplanes
β’ Alex Hannon shared his leadership journey, from high-energy coaching days to a more grounded, democratic style
π A beautiful spring-themed poem by Rob Delicato
π Clear and engaging role explanations from Orna (Grammarian) and Alua (Timekeeper β with some creative improvisation!)
β‘ Table Topics, led by Imelda Leahy, challenged members to step out of their comfort zones
π Insightful evaluations from Chris Werner & BlΓ‘ithΓn Liston helped speakers refine their message
π Monica Diez Campa stepped in as General Evaluator, wrapping up the meeting with professionalism and clarity
Even with fewer speeches, the quality, energy, and support in the room made it a memorable evening.
β‘οΈ Next meeting: Tuesday, 21st April 2026
See you at the next one π€β¨ πβ€οΈπ
Growth Communication
07/04/2026
β¨ Dublin South Toastmasters β Tonightβs Meeting β¨
Join us this evening for another engaging night of speaking, learning, and connection.
π Clayton Hotel, Leopardstown
π Start: 8:00 PM
π
Tuesday, 7th April 2026
π€ Whatβs happening tonight?
β’ Catherine Blackwell β Throwing caution to the wind
β’ Alex Hannon β Leadership insights from real experience
β’ Table Topics led by Imelda Leahy
β’ A creative poetry moment with Rob Delicato
π Supportive evaluations to help every speaker grow
π A full meeting review from General Evaluator Monica Diez Campa
Whether you're building confidence, improving communication, or just curious β youβre very welcome to join us.
β‘οΈ Next meeting: Tuesday, 21st April 2026
See you tonight! π€β¨ πβ€οΈπ
Communication
25/03/2026
β¨ Dublin South Toastmasters β Meeting Recap β¨
π
Tuesday, 24th March 2026
π Clayton Hotel, Leopardstown
An evening where words truly resonated.
Celebrating World Poetry Day, our theme βPoetryβ brought a reflective and creative atmosphere to the room, beautifully led by Toastmaster Rosemary Loughlin.
π Highlights from the night:
β’ A touching poem by Zahara Vazir marking International Womenβs Day
β’ Word of the Day: Resonance, introduced by Anna Ershova
β’ Inspiring speeches from Nikita Amin, Imelda Leahy, Teresa Cronin & Monica Diez Campa β exploring loneliness, rejection, dreams, and coaching
β‘ Table Topics, led by Jack Byrne, brought poetry to life through creative and spontaneous responses from members
π Strong, insightful evaluations from Paddy Collins, Neil DβSouza, BlΓ‘ithΓn Liston & Orna Mulhern helped every speaker grow
π General Evaluator Garvan Gallagher wrapped up the meeting with a detailed and thoughtful review
π Best Contribution: Monica Diez Campa
π Best Table Topics: John Maher
A big thank you to everyone who contributed β and to Chris Werner for stepping in as Logistics Manager.
β‘οΈ Next meeting: Tuesday, 7th April 2026
See you at the next one π€β¨ πβ€οΈπ
Leadership Resonance
23/03/2026
β¨ Dublin South Toastmasters β Tomorrowβs Meeting β¨
Join us for a special evening where words, voice, and emotion come together.
π Clayton Hotel, Leopardstown
π’ Assemble: 7:45 PM
π Start: 8:00 PM
π
Tuesday, 24th March 2026
π Theme of the Night: Poetry
In celebration of World Poetry Day, weβll explore how words can inspire, connect, and create meaning.
π Word of the Day: Resonance
β the power of words to echo, connect, and stay with us.
π€ Whatβs on the agenda?
β’ Inspiring speeches from Nikita Amin, Imelda Leahy, Teresa Cronin & Monica Diez Campa
β’ Impromptu speaking with Table Topics
β’ A creative touch of poetry throughout the evening
β’ Supportive evaluations to help every speaker grow
Whether poetry is something you love, remember from school, or are just curious about β this meeting is a chance to experience how words can truly resonate.
Guests are always welcome. Come along and be part of the conversation.
β‘οΈ Next meeting: Tuesday, 7th April 2026
See you tomorrow! π€β¨ πβ€οΈπ
09/03/2026
πβ¨ Dublin South Toastmasters β A Proud Achievement! β¨π
We are delighted to share that Dublin South Toastmasters has once again achieved the highest annual performance indicator in Toastmasters β the Distinguished Club Programme.
β 10 out of 10 goals achieved
π
Smedley Distinguished Club Award
This means our club successfully met all targets across:
β’ Member growth
β’ Officer training
β’ Club administration
β’ Educational achievements through Pathways
Even more exciting β we are the first club in Ireland to achieve this milestone this year, and the 4th club in District 71 (Ireland & Middle UK).
What makes this even more special is that our club has consistently achieved this standard every year since 2014.
This success reflects the dedication, enthusiasm, and teamwork of our amazing members and the hard work of our Club Committee.
π Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this incredible result.
The journey continues β and the best is yet to come.
πβ€οΈπ
05/03/2026
β¨ Dublin South Toastmasters β Meeting Recap β¨
π The tide truly turned at our meeting on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026.
With returning members, new role takers, and great energy in the room, it was one of those evenings that reminds us why Toastmasters is so special.
π€ Toastmaster Alex Hannon returned to the chair and set the tone with a nostalgic story and a toast to turning the tide.
π Word of the Day: Nexus β introduced by Rob Delicato, who also delivered a thoughtful grammarian report highlighting excellent listening throughout the meeting.
π Highlights from the night:
β’ Imelda Leahy shared an energetic speech about dodgeball, using strong vocal variety and body language
β’ Neil DβSouza explored the surprising importance of small talk
β’ James OβGorman reflected on life lessons from mentors and protΓ©gΓ©s, completing Level 2 in his Pathway
β’ Eric Mullaly delivered a powerful speech on his journey in Toastmasters and the value of stepping into leadership roles β earning Best Contribution of the evening π«
β‘ Table Topics, led by Catherine Blackwell in her first role, encouraged members and guests to reflect on moments when the tide turned in their lives.
π Best Table Topics: Tatiana Burlakova π«
π Supportive and insightful evaluations from David Curtin, Stephen Fitzpatrick, Teresa Cronin, and Chris Werner helped speakers refine their ideas and grow further.
π General Evaluator Monica Diez Campa closed the evening with thoughtful feedback and encouragement for everyone involved.
A fantastic meeting full of stories, learning, and community spirit.
β‘οΈ Next meeting: Tuesday, 24th March 2026
(No meeting on 17th March β St. Patrickβs Day)
See you at the next one! π€β¨