Athy Toastmasters finished up their 2017 year with an extra Christmas present on the agenda.
Santa gave a spectacular surprise visit and told a tale he called ‘Goodnight Dear’.
This is a personal story David (as Santa) wrote for his mother when she was 80 years of age. It is an account of his perception of one of her first childhood memories and also a dedication to the humour of his grandfather Jock Gleeson who fought in the Great War in 1919 and who was injured in an explosion.
The theme of Athy’s Toastmasters meeting was 'Don't just give presents for Christmas, be present'. It was a meaningful theme emphasising the importance of being with family, friends and loved ones this Christmas. To much time and energy is spent buying presents and getting organised that time just slips by. Being with those who matter and who we value, is the best present of all!
Muhammed gave an authentic story with his Ice Breaker speech 'The story of my life'. He told us of life in Pakistan and his win when his wife finally came to live in Ireland.
Pascal Byrne was next entertaining us with the famous happenings of 'Apollo 11' followed by Loretto Kenny with her wonderful storytelling 'It's the beginning, not the end' and finally a magical surprise entry from from David Clinton as Santa Clause.
Santa welcomed everyone and especially complimented Loretto’s wonderful shinny earrings. Santa told us a wonderful and moving Christmas story close to his heart and brought back the magic at our Toastmasters meeting.
He brought out the child in us all! It was a night of festive energy with Gearoid Murphy's Table Topics, Santa, Johann Callaghan as a super Madam Toastmaster, Christmas crackers and cheer!
Congratulations to Muhammad Abbas on winning the Lucia Hughes Award. This award is given to those who had the most impact on the meeting and being Muhammad’s very first Icebreaker speech and such an inspiring account of his life, Muhammad received this award!
All are welcome to the next meeting - on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday every month at 7:45pm in the Clonard Court Hotel.
If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.