District 71 Monthly Newsletter
Wow! What a fantastic conference! From the minute I arrived at the Rose Hotel in Tralee, I felt an atmosphere of friendship, camaraderie, and fun. It was such a joy to meet members in person whom we would normally only see online. Reconnecting with familiar faces from throughout the UK and Ireland was truly wonderful.
I cannot express strongly enough how grateful we are as a District to James Finnegan and his brilliant team for the enormous amount of work that went into organising this event. No stone was left unturned and, from start to finish, the quality of the conference was superb. The keynote speakers inspired us, the contestants showcased exceptional talent, and attendees at the District Council Meeting conducted themselves with respect, professionalism, and integrity throughout.
It was especially fantastic to have Past International President Ted Corcoran in attendance, particularly as a proud Kerry native. I also want to give a special shout-out to Brendan Haughton, my long-time mentor and very good friend, who attended the conference. I am deeply grateful to Brendan for his encouragement, guidance, and advice over many years. I know I am serving in my current role because of the faith he placed in me. Thank you, Brendan.
I would also like to acknowledge the professionalism and outstanding service we received from the staff at the Rose Hotel. Everything ran seamlessly, and the team could not have been more helpful or accommodating. A sincere thank you to them all.
The DCM meeting went very smoothly and I am very grateful to the Parliamentarian Team, Larry Lyons, Pauline McCabe and Nick Collins for their continued exemplary service to the District. As the meeting ended on time, I did not get the opportunity to publicly express my gratitude to Martin Farrell and Sarinca Janga for their support and dedication to ensuring the hybrid aspect of the DCM went to plan.
Finally, thank you to every member who attended the conference. It was such a pleasure to hear your stories, share experiences, and enjoy such memorable moments together. Events like this remind us of the strength of our Toastmasters community and the friendships that make our organisation so special.
Mairead Dillion
– District Director
“So, Steve, what was the best thing about the District conference?”
Well, it could be the awards, ceremonies, the networking and celebrations. Congratulating those who won contests and commiserating with those who came close. The speeches, the food, the dancing, the poetry. The thought-provoking workshops, the international speakers and getting to share a joke with a national sporting hero. Or maybe the fact that local businesses came to learn about us, that people travelled from around the world, or that non-Toastmasters talked about the impact we have on society. Perhaps the simple pleasure of reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.
And yet… for me, none of them was the best thing. Experiencing them all together was remarkable, exhilarating and humbling. And even that wasn’t the best thing. It was something much more inspiring: teamwork.
I had the privilege of seeing first-hand what happens when a small group dedicated pulls together to serve others. For the past six months there has been non-stop effort by the conference team, contests team, parliamentary team, presenters and volunteers. Planning, communicating, collaborating, working crazy-long hours and pulling in endless favours. A team that has had to deal with the complexities of cross-border VAT treatments, systems for hearing aids, lottery regulations (yes, really) and the correct protocol for parading flags in the presence of a government minister.
The team learned a lot, laughed a lot, supported each other through tough times, and produced an incredible event that people are still talking about and for which I will be eternally grateful.
Steve Campion
Program Quality Director
What an achievement! Hundreds of people from around the district gathering together to learn, socialise and watch the champions of our district do what they do best, inspire!
From start to finish the conference didn’t disappoint. Famous speakers, alternative workshops and social events that could only be described as a gather of minds and hearts.
New connections were made and old connections rekindled. That’s what the conference is all about.
I know now when I was closing the event that I didn’t acknowledge some of the wonderful teams that pulled the conference together. I want to take this opportunity to thank every member and team member that supported the conference and acknowledge all their hardworking and service they gave in support of the conference being one of thee best I have ever been to.
Bring on the next conference, I am already looking forward to it.
Would like to hold the conference?
We are yet to have any submission for 26/27 conference, do you think you’d like to hold the conference in your town or city? If so please reach out to discuss.
Kevin O’Reilly
Club Growth Director, District 71
Where Leadership, Learning and Connection Come Alive
May 2026 has been nothing short of remarkable across District 71—a true celebration of everything that makes Toastmasters International such a powerful global movement.
At the heart of this month’s highlights was our District Conference, a vibrant showcase of excellence, elegance, and energy. From the very first moment, the atmosphere was charged with excitement—the beauty, the glamour, and the unmistakable spirit of Toastmasters on full display.
The conference delivered an enriching blend of:
Inspiring workshops that deepened skills and broadened perspectives
Impactful learning moments that will shape leaders and communicators across the district
Meaningful networking opportunities, where connections were not just made—but strengthened
What stood out most was the coming together of Toastmasters from across the district and beyond, reflecting the diversity, unity, and shared purpose that define our organisation worldwide.
May also marked an important milestone as we elected new district leaders who will carry the vision forward.
This transition represents continuity, growth, and renewed energy for the journey ahead.
Equally significant was the coming together of both the incoming and current District Leadership Teams during the Strategy Weekend in the beautiful city of Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Set against a rich cultural backdrop, Belfast became the perfect setting for:
1. Visionary conversations
2. Collaborative brainstorming
3. Strategic alignment for the future of District 71
Beyond the sessions, it was the human connections that truly defined the experience; shared moments, conversations, and laughter that remind us that leadership in Toastmasters is as much about relationships as it is about results.
This month also gave us pause to reflect and honour Toastmasters who have passed on. Their contributions, dedication, and legacy continue to inspire us, and their impact remains woven into the fabric of our district.
None of what we experienced in May would have been possible without the tireless efforts of the many individuals working behind the scenes.
From conference organisers to committee members, from volunteers to leaders, your dedication is the engine that keeps this district moving forward.
We are deeply grateful for your time, your energy, and your unwavering commitment.
As we look ahead, May leaves us with a powerful reminder:
Toastmasters is more than meetings, it is a community, a journey, and a shared commitment to growth.
And in moments like these, across conferences, conversations, and connections, we truly see the very best of who we are.
Stallone-Obaraemi Samuel
-Public Relations Manager
Have you ever had a moment where everything changed? A moment you didn’t choose, didn’t expect, and couldn’t control. It
What was the conference like for me? Honestly? Expansive. Not because everything went perfectly. It didn’t. There were moments of
Psychologist Albert Marahabian is quoted as saying “we are five times as likely to be influenced by voice than by
He was always a postman
called Dinny,
in a scratchy, serge,
shiny-buttoned suit
- An oxtered cap
lined with snotty avocado.
Delivering the village’s One O'Clock News,
to a headscarfed hausfrau
with a five o’clock shadow.
Cochlea cocked for the prompt,
from his 10 years old understudy
in flares and Fairisle in the front row.
Who knew even then,
she would not be
typecast.
Christina Hession
Leicester City Speakers celebrates 15 extraordinary years. On the evening of 23rd April 2026, Leicester City Speakers — Club No.
Mary McHugh has been in toastmasters over twenty years. She is very quiet and obliging, working for the common good.
The Anglia Turnaround: From Limping to Leading If your club is currently “limping” toward the finish line, feeling the weight
10/06/2026 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – The purpose of the Club Officer Connect sesssions is help club officers
20/06/2026 @ 7:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Location is Redbourne Golf Club, Kinsbourne Green Ln, St Albans AL3 7QA
14/06/2026 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Interview with the 2026-27 District 71 Trio District Director: Steve
The Rose Conference in Tralee was the highlight of the month, and it delivered everything we could hope for, inspiring speakers, fierce but friendly competition, great workshops (although I might be biased), and that particular buzz you only get when people who rarely meet in person finally do. It wasn’t always the impressive programme or the stunning venue, but the moments in between: the conversations over dinner, the reconnections in the corridor, the friendships that were either made or deepened over those few days. That’s what this community is built on. This month’s newsletter trys to reflect that spirit, stories of recognition, growth, and the kind of leadership that quietly keeps clubs running.
As always, this newsletter is only as good as what you send in, so keep the stories, photos, and club highlights coming.
They matter more than you think. Your contributions ensure that this truly becomes your newsletter. With so many great things happening across our clubs, we want to keep sharing and celebrating them and please include some pictures.
Here’s the link to submit content again, in case you need it:
https://forms.d71toastmasters.org/share-news
A special call‑out to all Area Directors encourage your clubs to submit. I’d love to see every Area submit at least one article, recognition piece, or highlight for the April edition. And remember a picture tells a thousand words, so the more images and photos you can provide, the better.
If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to the District PR Team we’re looking to expand the team.
Thank you, and I hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter.
John Leech
D71 Newsletter Editor
