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Celebrating 50 Years of Change: The Project Children Story
Bridging Divides: How an Inspiring Idea Became Project Children
From Rockchapel to Reconciliation: The Journey of ‘Project Children’

By Yvonne Reddin/Jane Buckley

Over 50 years ago in New York, a conversation between Patrick Mulcahy and his wife Kathleen sparked an idea to help children from Northern Ireland by bringing them to host families in America. Patrick then pitched the idea to his family, and the planning began.
Together with his siblings Denis, John, and Tom, Patrick decided to do something constructive after seeing footage of the Troubles on television. Initially, there was some resistance in the community due to the inclusion of Protestant children, but they pressed on. The initiative evolved into the volunteer-run 'Project Children.'
In the summer of 1975, after Patrick and his wife returned to Ireland, Denis and his wife Miriam took over the project. Under their leadership, it continued to grow. They brought the first six children to Greenwood Lake in New York.
Project Children became a charity dedicated to fostering peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland by bringing children from divided communities to live together and experience life in America. Over the years, more than 23,000 children were brought to America for six-week holidays, some as young as eight. The Mulcahy family hails from Rockchapel, County Cork, where their roots are deeply embedded in the local culture. With its rich history and a strong sense of community, Cork played a significant role in shaping the Mulcahys’ early experiences and values. Denis emigrated to the United States in 1962 and joined the New York City Police Department in 1969.
Motivated by the struggles in Northern Ireland, Denis used his background to help advance the initiative, giving young people the opportunity for personal growth and cross-community friendships. His work has been recognised worldwide, highlighting his dedication to peace-building and intercultural understanding.
Denis received numerous awards and accolades throughout his life. In 1993, Ireland's President Mary Robinson presented him with the ‘Irish Voice's Community Person of the Year Award. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 and 1993 and was a runner-up to Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa. Denis was named one of the top 100 Irish Americans of the Year in 1994 and was a guest of President Clinton at the St Patrick’s Day celebration at the White House. He also received the ‘Top Cop Award’ from Vice President Al Gore and met President Clinton in the Oval Office in 1995.
In 2016, How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story, a documentary narrated by Liam Neeson and featuring contributions from Bill Clinton, was produced. The film aired on RTE and BBC, showcased Mulcahy's work promoting peace and reconciliation and highlighted Project Children's impact on Northern Ireland.
To commemorate Project Children's 50th anniversary, the organisation has formed a cultural partnership with Monaghan County Council and the Peace Campus in Monaghan town. This collaboration focuses on promoting cross-community peace initiatives throughout Ireland.
Denis Mulcahy, Chairman and Co-Founder of Project Children, said, 'I am very pleased with our partnership with Monaghan County Council, and it’s an honour to continue our 50-year legacy at the Monaghan Peace Campus.'
Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, shared, 'The Cultural Partnership between Monaghan County Council and Project Children will create a lasting legacy for the people of Monaghan and the surrounding region.'
Liam Bradley, Curator of Monaghan County Museum, added, 'The museum is proud to be the new home of the Project Children story. I look forward to working with Project Children as we continue to explore and celebrate this programme's remarkable legacy.'
In celebration of the 50th anniversary, Derry-born author Jane Buckley has been commissioned to write the history of Project Children, including its origins, the Project Children Intern Programme, and the ongoing Mulcahy Scholarship. The book, set for release in 2026, will highlight the program’s significant impact on the lives of many children.
From an out-of-the-blue conversation between man and wife to establishing a peace campus, the Project Children journey exemplifies how one’s roots can ignite a lifelong commitment to fostering positive change. With the Monaghan Peace Campus archives and the upcoming book, Project Children’s milestones will be preserved and accessible for future generations.
A special screening of the Project Children: ‘How to Defuse a Bomb’ produced by Alleycat Productions was held on Thursday, 10th April, from 5.30 pm at the Guildhall, Derry/Londonderry.