SERVICES
“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