Toastmasters remember Eileen
The final meeting of 2025 for Nenagh Toastmasters was held on Tuesday, December 9, in the Abbey Court Hotel.
We were welcomed by our president, Marie O’Sullivan and Toastmaster for the night was Jim McGuire. Unfortunately, before Jim could begin his first task as Toastmaster, President Marie O’Sullivan reminded the meeting of the sad loss in the previous few weeks of our most senior member, Eileen Dight. Marie suggested that at the end of the two prepared speeches and before the break, that members could offer their memories of Eileen and then a minute’s silence could be held.
Joe Ryan was first to outline the influence that Eileen’s membership had on him, her joie de vivre, and her willingness to share her experiences as a way of telling everybody that the greatest limits on achieving the best version of ourselves were often imposed by ourselves.
LEGENDARY SPEECHES
Eileen had been a member of Nenagh Toastmasters for several years and her speeches were legendary, drawing on her almost nine decades of life in many parts of the world, a number of marriages and her wonderful family members, both her own children and her beloved grandchildren. She frequently referenced them in her huge repertoire of speeches over the course of her membership, and she was such a vibrant and integral part of the club. Her positivity, support and mentoring of new members and her persistence throughout her extraordinary life were a shining example to the younger club members in how to deal with adversity and move on.
Ní bheidh a leithéad ann arís. May she rest in peace.
Sean Butler said that he was deeply saddened by the passing of our fellow toastmaster Eileen, that she brought a unique blend of warmth, wit and wisdom to every meeting she attended, her gift of storytelling, her thoughtful writing, and her quick, intelligent humour enriched our club and inspired everyone who had the pleasure of hearing her speak.
Eileen had a way of lifting the room, not through volume but through her presence. Her speeches were crafted with care, filled with insight, and always touched with that gentle humour that made her both engaging and memorable. She encouraged others with kindness. celebrated their progress, which is the very model that the courage and creativity that Toastmasters is all about. Let us be grateful for the time she spent with us, for the laughter she shared, and for the legacy of encouragement she leaves us. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
David Healy said that the sudden death of Eileen was poignant and sad and was happy to be associated with the words of the previous speakers.
CELEBRATION OF HER LIFE
Willie Grace acknowledged Eileen’s great contributions to the club and her love of Toastmasters was such that she had arranged for the celebration of her life to take place in the usual room that Toastmasters meetings were held in the Abbey Court in advance of her death. Willie said that his attendance at that celebration was the best funeral he had been at.
Helen Spillane concurred with Willie and said that Eileen had told her that Toastmasters had given her a new lease of life.
John Spillane remarked that Eileen had provided him with recipes for rhubarb and orange chutney, and had provided him with a papyrus plant and he had really enjoyed her company throughout her time in the club.
Margaret McGuire said that Eileen had said that we’re not necessarily here for a long time but for a good time.
Finally, Joanne Callanan said Eileen’s generosity in sharing her stories was inspiring to her as a newer member and she was grateful for her support.
After these contributions, a respectful minute’s silence was held and the meeting broke for the traditional tea/coffee break and, needless to say, conversations about Eileen continued.