9 August 2023
Offering over 24,000 children from all communities in Northern Ireland a six-week summer reprieve in the US, away from the intrinsic, sectarian violence of “The Troubles”, Project Children provided a safe context for cross-community friendships to flourish and for the development of mutual understanding. It represented a monumentally brave step towards healing and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, and has been acknowledged as instrumental in helping world leaders forge the path to peace in Northern Ireland: Denis’ extraordinary story resonates to all that is good in this world.
Denis Mulcahy has received many accolades for his assiduous work promoting the cause of peace in Northern Ireland. He was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work for the children of Northern Ireland, and was runner up to the First President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa respectively.
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 as a member of his delegation 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 received the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad, presented to him personally by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.
In 2018, he also received a presentation on behalf of the Washington Ireland Program from the Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar.
Speaking about the homecoming, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Kieran McCarthy said:
"I am honoured to welcome Denis back to his native Cork for this very special homecoming, and it is particularly apposite that we welcome him in this 25th anniversary year of the Good Friday Agreement. Denis’ work over many years constitutes a distinct Corkonian contribution to peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. In particular, the city is very proud of Denis being nominated twice for a Nobel Peace Prize. That is really incredible and there is much to be inspired from Denis’s work."
Narrated by Liam Neeson and directed by Des Henderson, How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story documents the human interest and human impact of Denis and Project Children’s story in all its richness, distinctiveness, and optimism. The screening will be preceded by a special reception in Cork City Hall hosted by the Lord Mayor in which the contributions of two distinguished Corkonians will be recognised.
In addition to Denis, founder of the Hope Foundation, Maureen Forrest dedicated her life to supporting the children of Kolkata in the key areas of child protection; healthcare (including Hope Hospital); education, and vocational training. The Lord Mayor, along with VIP guests and civic society, will celebrate the distinct, but interrelated contributions of Maureen and Denis, the former to the children of India, and the latter to the children of Northern Ireland.
On Saturday August 12, 2023, the County Cork B. P. & P. Association will hold their 23rd Biennial Reunion Banquet at Rochestown Park Hotel in Douglas, Cork, and honour both Denis and Maureen for their singular contributions.
