Documentary About How Project Children Forged the Pathway to Peace in Northern Island to Be Screened at Stepinac HS, March 22

Media Contact: Linda Croston

E-mail: linda@savvyconsultinginc.com

Phone: 347 276 4746

GREENWOOD LAKE, NEW YORK Project Children is proud to partner with Stepinac High School and Maria Regina High School to present a screening of the award-winning “How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story” documentary. The powerful film 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 90-minute film documents the pursuit of reconciliation in Northern Ireland, through the medium of its children. Offering over 24,000 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.

The screening will take place at 7:00pm, Wednesday March 22, at Stepinac’s Major Bowes Auditorium, 950 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains. There will be a meet and greet with Denis Mulcahy at 6:00pm and a short Q+A following the screening. Seats must be registered in advance by using the following eventbite link: : “How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story” Documentary Tickets, Wed, Mar 22, 2023 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite. Admission is free.

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 program. The dip back in time to the interview archives from the 1970’s offers powerful accentuation of the impact this program 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 to surpass the complications of conflict. So powerful and prevalent given the world we live in today!

Denis Mulcahy's Awards and Achievements

Denis Mulcahy has received many accolades for his vigorous work in 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 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 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 Program from the Irish Taoiseach, Leo Vradakar. Taoiseach Vradakar was one of the first participants from the south of Ireland on the Washington Ireland Program. This same year the Mulcahy Scholarship was founded by the Aisling Irish Community Center, 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 over forty years provided temporary respite to the children of Northern Ireland and to Denis who has been a devoted board member to the Aisling Center since 1996. 

Despite these many recognitions, Denis' proudest achievement remains to be his work with Project Children in helping the many children across Northern Ireland take their first steps toward peace and reconciliation.

To learn more about Project Children, visit www.ProjectChildren.org.