Local Faces: Francis McCabe
Francis McCabe overcame the lable of “slow learner” and went on to become Toastmaster of the Year

Local Faces: Francis McCabe

OVERCOMING labels is a major driving force for Francis McCabe.

Labelling a person can be a way of identifying or characterising.

But, often, labelling people by their behaviours and characteristics can have a limiting impact on their potential.

When the Clondalkin native, who has lived his entire life on Tower Road, was deemed to be a “slow learner” it only reinforced his belief in himself to shake off the implications of that label.

Growing up, Francis does admit that he “struggled” with his education and attended St John Of God Special School in Islandbridge before boarding in St Augustine’s School in Blackrock between 1974 and 1981.

St Augustine’s is a co-educational day and boarding school providing educational for children with mild general learning disability.

“I was deemed to be a slow learner, but I don’t know,” Francis explains.

“It just made me more determined to try prove them wrong. Every time I achieve something, it’s like two fingers to them people.

Francis McCabe

“I remember I was told that I’d never drive, because I wouldn’t be able to, by a driving instructor.

“In October 1987, I got my full licence. I actually knocked at that driving instructor’s door, and I showed him my full licence.

“I did it in my first attempt, it was a big achievement for me.”

Francis can be a contemplative friendly character, but he can also be quick with a joke or funny line, and he is addicted to progress.

This can be reflected in his work with the Dublin Toastmasters Club, where he nearly religiously attends on Thursday evenings out in Buswells Hotel in the city centre.

Toastmasters is a learning-by-doing organisation which focuses on public speaking and personal development.

Since linking up with the Dublin Toastmasters Club in 1996, Francis has grown to be one of the most esteemed Toastmasters in the country.

“See, you have to know how to connect with your audience and every audience is different,” Francis says, detailing the art of performing a good speech.

Francis McCabe quotes his good friend and mentor, Gabriel Duffy “opportunity only dances with somebody who’s already on the floor”

“I use personal experience in my speeches. Life can be serious, but I don’t like to be taking it all too seriously.

“So I would use light-heartedness and humour instead.

“It’s important that you don’t let the past keep you down. Keep moving forward and always try learn new things. There is nothing to be afraid of.

On Toastmasters, he adds: “You can learn at your own pace. You’re not under pressure to do anything, if you don’t like it after a few sessions, you don’t have to go.

“They used to use these manuals with 10 speeches, now the new system that they use is called Pathways.

“Each person now goes down a different path, a pathway that they want.”

Selflessly devoted to supporting members and guests to Toastmasters, assisting in weekly meetings, Francis was recently honoured with the award of Toastmaster of the Year 2021/2022 at the Dublin Toastmasters Club.

A former member of the Clondalkin Toastmasters Club and president of the IE Toastmasters Club, the 59-year-old has been honoured multiple times over the years such is his volunteering nature.

Francis McCabe

But this latest award, being crowned Toastmaster of the Year, totally took him by surprise.

“I was shocked, I really wasn’t expecting it,” Francis chuckles.

“I was just thinking ‘have yous gone mad?’ but the committee said it was well deserved for my input and effort over the years.

“I really enjoy it and like to be giving something back.

“It’s not all about take, take, take.

“I’d rather give something to somebody if I know it will help, than take something for myself.

“You always feel better helping people if you can, it’s a nice thing to do.

“I kind of keep to myself to an extent, but I like sitting and listening to people, hearing them out if they need somebody to talk to.”

Outside of being a Toastmaster, Francis spends a lot of time out in his garden.

Living in the shadow of the 27m tall, 1,200-year-old Round Tower in Clondalkin, how could he not.

And he was insistent on leaving us with the words of his good friend and mentor, Gabriel Duffy.

“Opportunity only dances with somebody who’s already on the floor,” Francis concludes.

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