Author: sconnolly2

“How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story”

Feature Documentary About How the Efforts and Persistence of the Project Children Charity Forged the Pathway for Peace in Northern Ireland

“How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story” Documentary Screening

7:00pm on November 14th and 15th 2018

Garage Theatre, Armagh Road, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan, Ireland

Monaghan County Council are delighted to announce a two-day celebration of Project Children by screening the “How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story”. This a powerful feature documentary film that celebrates the unsullied hard work and dedication of the Project Children Charity and one of its founding members, Denis Mulcahy, a retired and highly decorated NYPD Bomb Squad Officer. The film documents the pursuit of reconciliation in Northern Ireland, through the medium of its children. Offering over 23,000 children a six-week summer reprieve from the intrinsic, sectarian violence of “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland, this extraordinary tale resonates to all that is good in this world. In today’s era of both a shared and integrated education, this may not seem unusual but in the segregated society of the seventies, this was a massive step toward healing.

Co. Monaghan proudly host Denis, Project Children and many key participants featured in the documentary, to the Garage Theatre on the night. Denis, his family and friends of Project Children are traveling from America to attend this celebration and is facilitating a Q&A after the screening and we welcome all to contribute with their questions.

Please join us at the cocktail reception, following the Q+A, along with a presentation to Alleycats Films, the team behind the creation of this documentary.

Documentary Trailer:
Do not miss this celebration of Project Children!
View there Trailer Here!

Denis’ Awards and Achievements – “Too numerous to list”

Denis Mulcahy has received many accolades for his vigorous work in the assisting the peace process in Northern Ireland and was twice nominated for the very prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for all his work for the children of Northern Ireland. He was runner up to both Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa.

In 1995, Denis received the Top Cop Award in Washington D.C. by Vice President Al Gore and later that year, Denis accompanied President Clinton on his historic trip to Northern Ireland.

In 2016 Denis received the title of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II. In 2017 he also received the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad, presented to him personally by the President of Ireland Michael J. Higgins. In 2018, he also received a presentation on behalf of the Washington Ireland Programme from the Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar. Taoiseach Varadkar was one of the first participants from the south of Ireland on the Washington Ireland Programme. This same year the Mulcahy Scholarship was founded by the Aisling Irish Community Centre, Yonkers, NY. The scholarship is an opportunity for American high school students to attend summer camps in Ireland with the aim of experiencing and connecting to Irish culture and heritage. It is a fitting tribute to the Mulcahy family, who for forty years provided temporary respite to the children of Northern Ireland and to Denis who has been a devoted board member to the Aisling Centre since 1996.

Event Tickets

Tickets are invite only and in order to receive your event e-vite, please send your e-mail  address to: linda@savvyconsultinginc.com

For More Event Information:

Contact: Carmel Thornton +353 47 30538 or e-mail: cthornto@monaghancoco.ie

Monica Culbert: +44 28 9061 5610 or e-mail: monicaculbert@btinternet.com

Catherine Flood: +1 914 830 1669 or e-mail: projectchildren2018@gmail.com

Linda Croston: +1 347 276 4746 or e-mail: linda@savvyconsultinginc.com

About the Film

Narrated by Liam Neeson and written/directed by Des Henderson, “How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story” is an inspiring documentary focusing on the Project Children charity, whose work aimed at enlightening children of “The Troubles” that a non-violent existence was feasible and peace in Northern Ireland was possible once you embrace the other side.

The film hosts interviews from Denis Mulcahy and his brother, Pat Mulcahy, who along with others, founded the charity in 1975. It also offers raw accounts on the experiences of the host families and the now adults, who participated as kids in the programme. The dip back in time to the interview archives from the 1970’s offers powerful accentuation of the impact this programme has had on the direction of so many lives. Former US President, Bill Clinton is also featured in the film, following Denis’ fundamental role in the work of reconciliation in Northern Ireland, along-side Mr. Clinton.

“How to Defuse a Bomb” is a formidable film that tells the authentic story of real people, whose lives are now changed forever. It is imperative for the world to see this show. Although its predominant focus is on Northern Ireland, the documentary’s message highlights the need for a cohesive, visionary approach in order to surpass the complications of conflict. So powerful and prevalent given the world we live in today!

How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story (2016, 90mins)

Project Children Website: www.projectchildren.org

Media Contact:

Linda Croston – Project Children

E-mail: linda@savvyconsultinginc.com

Phone: +1 347 276 4746

Update from Monaghan County Council RE: Land Subsidence Incident at Magheracloone

Wednesday 10th October 2018.   5.00 pm

Monaghan County Council, together with officials from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and the Environmental Protection Agency met with representatives from Gyroc Ireland Ltd and mining consultants, SRK , in relation to the subsidence issues at the disused mine at Drumgossat, Magheracloone, Co. Monaghan.

SRK Consultants and Gyproc Ireland Ltd. presented a preliminary geological assessment report to the meeting today. Further surveying, technical assessments and monitoring of ground conditions will continue over coming weeks, before a decision in relation to the re-opening of roads in the area can be made.

Traffic Management

In the interests of public safety the Carrickmacross/Kingscourt Road (R179) will remain closed from Drumgossat Crossroads to O’Rourke’s Filling Station at Drummond. In addition, the LP4900 to Drumgossat will also remain closed to traffic. The road closures will remain in place until the detailed technical assessments confirm that they are safe for public use.

Traffic between Carrickmacross and Kingscourt is being diverted via Shercock. Monaghan County Council appeals to local residents to adhere to the one-way system that is in place around Drumgossat school.

Doran Motors and Treacy’s Hotel are fully accessible from Carrickmacross using the R179 regional road. O’Rourke’s filling station, Ciaran McConnon Motors and Cabra Castle Hotel are accessible from Kingscourt using the R179 or local diversionary routes.

Monaghan County Council

info@monaghancoco.ie

In Search of Black Pigs Dyke/Claí NaPéiste: 7pm Thursday 18^th October 2018. The Market House, Monaghan

At this event, four leading thinkers in the field of archaeology, history, science and art will explore Claí NaPéiste or Black Pigs Dyke -what it might mean for the past and how it has relevance to the present.

Questions and Revelations will make for a fascinating evening!

Places are limited. Please be advised to reserve your seat.

RSVP by Tuesday 16^th October: No Cover Charge

Email: themarkethouse@eircom.net

Telephone: +353 (0)47 38162

Peace Link Among 9 Irish Projects Shortlisted for European Innovation in Politics Awards

Nine impactful and diverse Irish projects have been shortlisted for this year’s Europe-wide Innovation in Politics Awards. They are among 80 finalists selected by a European Jury of 1,053 citizens. Organised by the Innovation in Politics Institute based in Vienna, the Innovation in Politics Awards aim to recognise ground-breaking political initiatives across Europe at any level of governance that can act as an inspiration to others. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on 17 November 2018 in Vienna, Austria.

Over 600 projects from all over Europe were nominated in eight categories: Civilisation, Community, Democracy, Human Rights, Ecology, Jobs, Prosperity, and Quality of Life. The European Jury selected 10 finalists in each category.

Peace Link – Building Relations through Sport has been shortlisted in the ‘Quality of Life’ Category.

The Peace Link Project was developed by the Clones Erne East Sports Partnership which was a consortium of community, sporting and statutory organisations based along the Fermanagh and Monaghan border region. This initiative was built on previous work carried out by Clones Community Forum under EU PEACE I and PEACE II in bringing community and sporting organisations together to work strategically and collaboratively to build peace through the mechanism of sport. The project aimed to provide a sporting hub from which activities and events could be delivered that would positively impact meaningful relationships and peace building across the Clones and Erne East areas in counties Monaghan and Fermanagh respectively. The sporting hub is located within walking distance of Clones town centre and is approximately 500m from the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Monaghan County Council assumed the role as lead partner for a €7.8-million application to the EU PEACE III Shared Spaces Programme. The project received cross-party support in both jurisdictions. Opened in 2014, the project surpasses all expectations in terms of building community relations through sport and is a hub for building a healthy, vibrant community for all ages and backgrounds.

The list of all 80 finalists can be found on the Innovation in Politics Awards website.

For further information on the Innovation in Politics Awards see www.innovationinpolitics.eu

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

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REFERENDUM ON THE THIRTY-SEVENTH AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION (REPEAL OF OFFENCE OF PUBLICATION OR UTTERANCE OF BLASPHEMOUS MATTER) BILL 2018

FRIDAY 26 OCTOBER 2018

ELECTORS WITH PHYSICAL ILLNESS OR PHYSICAL DISABILITY

Electors with a physical illness or physical disability, whose name is not on the postal or special voters list, and who may have difficulty gaining access to his or her local polling station, may apply to have his or her vote transferred to a more accessible polling station in their constituency.

This facility is intended to assist electors who find access to their local polling station difficult because of the situation or design of the building.

In order to avail of the facility, an elector should apply in writing to the local returning officer for his or her constituency by Friday, 19 October 2018 at the latest.

A special application form is not necessary. If possible, the elector should suggest an alternative polling station in the constituency which is both suitable and convenient to him or her.

Contact details for the local returning officer for each constituency can be found at www.presidentialelection.ie or www.referendum.ie, or by calling Franchise section at

LoCall: 1890-20-20-21 or 01-888-2424.

To view or download this as a PDF File please see here: Electors With Physical Illness Or Physical Disability Information

Update from Monaghan County Council Re: Land Subsidence Incident at Magheracloone                                  

Thursday 4^th October 2018.         4.00 pm

Monaghan County Council continues with, the support of An Garda Siochána, to deal with the issues arising from the serious incident which occurred in the early hours of Monday 24^th September at Drumgossat, Magheracloone, Co. Monaghan

The scheduled aerial survey carried out on 3^rd October has identified evidence of further subsidence outside the 120m radius disturbance zone established by Gyproc Ireland Limited, but within the original 2km area of assessment. This discovery reaffirms the need to maintain a safety cordon around the perimeter of the former underground mine at Drumgossat.

Technical assessments are ongoing and Monaghan County Council anticipates receiving a detailed geological assessment report prepared by Gyproc Ireland Limited early next week.

Traffic Management

In the interests of public safety the Carrickmacross/Kingscourt Road (R179) will remain closed from Drumgossat Crossroads to O’Rourke’s Filling Station at Drummond.  In addition, the LP4900 to Drumgossat will also remain closed to traffic.   The road closures will remain in place until the detailed technical assessments confirm that they are safe for public use.

Traffic between Carrickmacross and Kingscourt is being diverted via Shercock.   Monaghan County Council appeals to local residents to adhere to the one-way system that is in place around Drumgossat school.

Doran Motors and Treacy’s Hotel are fully accessible from Carrickmacross using the R179 regional road. O’Rourke’s filling station, Ciaran McConnon Motors and Cabra Castle Hotel are accessible from Kingscourt using the R179 or local diversionary routes.

Monaghan County Council

info@monaghancoco.ie

Progress of Housing Projects by Monaghan County Council.

Looking at; projects delivered, projects currently underway and projects in the pipeline under Rebuilding Ireland.

Click the following link to View or Download a PDF version of the document: Housing Progress October 2018

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• 4-5
• 6-7

See also, information of our Housing Week participation: Housing Focus

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Update from Monaghan County Council Re: Land Subsidence Incident at Magheracloone
Monday 1st October 2018. 4.45 pm

Monaghan County Council continues with, the support of An Garda Siochana along with experts from the Exploration and Mining Division of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deal with the issues arising from the serious incident which occurred in the early hours of Monday 24th September at Drumgossat, Magheracloone, Co. Monaghan.

Consultant Mining engineers and geologists engaged by Gyproc Ireland continue to carry out detailed technical assessments and monitoring of ground activity at the site of the incident.

A Preliminary Assessment Report prepared by the company states that no further geological movement has been detected on the site. Further detailed geological assessment is necessary to ascertain the conditions for a number of household dwellings and also the regional road R179 Kingscourt to Carrickmacross and the L4900 Drumgossat road. Gyproc’s team are working to provide this detailed information as soon as possible.

The Carrickmacross/Kingscourt Road (R179) will remain closed from Drumgossat Crossroads to O’Rourke’s Filling Station at Drummond. In addition, the LP4900 to Drumgossat will also remain closed to traffic. Traffic between Carrickmacross and Kingscourt is being diverted via Shercock. The road closures are projected to remain in effect until mid-October. The closures, in the interests of public safety, are a necessary precaution until the detailed technical assessments are finalised.

Doran Motors and Treacy’s Hotel are fully accessible from Carrickmacross using the R179 regional road. O’Rourke’s filling station, Ciaran McConnon Motors and Cabra Castle Hotel are accessible from Kingscourt using the R179 or local diversionary routes.

The area in the vicinity of the Clubhouse remains closed to the public. Monaghan County Council reiterates that the site is unsafe and advises all members of the public to avoid the area and to observe the detours in place.

I wish to thank our colleagues in An Garda Siochana, Monaghan County Council staff, DCCAE and EPA who are continuing to liaise and work closely with Gyproc over the coming days while the necessary technical reports are finalised.

Monaghan County Council
info@monaghancoco.ie

Monaghan County Council will shortly appoint a design team for Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal Greenway.

This project will see the existing Monaghan Town Greenway extended west to Smithborough and east to Middletown, Co. Armagh. A spur of the Greenway is also proposed along the route of the Monaghan Town Bypass. This 22km project will follow the route of the Ulster Canal wherever possible.

The project is supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in Ireland. It is responsible for managing two EU Structural Funds Programmes, PEACE IV and INTERREG VA which are designed to enhance cross-border cooperation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society.

Over the coming months the design team will be required to identify potential route options and identify a preferred route corridor. Planning approval will then be applied for before the lands are acquired and construction commences.

During the design stage of the project there will be opportunities for landowners, stakeholders and the general public to have input and give feedback. Before the design stage actively commences a series of community information evenings are being held to let people know about what to expect during the design phase. Landowners, members of the communities along the route and any interested parties are invited to find out more by dropping in to any of these 3 information events being held between 4pm and 8pm in Tyholland Community Centre on Tuesday 2nd October 2018, Middletown Community Parish Hall on Wednesday 10th October and Smithborough Community Hall on Thursday 18th October 2018.

Waterways Ireland is the lead partner on this INTERREG VA funded project, which is being delivered in partnership with Monaghan County Council, Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council and East Border Region Ltd.

Monaghan County Council wish to advise that the offices at Council Headquarters on The Glen Road will be closed from 4:30pm on Friday 28th September 2018 due to essential maintenance in the building.

Apologies For Any Inconvenience Caused.