[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING PROJECT CHILDREN AND FOUNDER DENIS MULCAHY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the 
founding of Project Children.
  Since its founding in 1974, Project Children has brought over 22,000 
children from both Protestant and Catholic communities in Northern 
Ireland to America, uniting them with over 15,000 American host 
families for a summer of peace and a lifetime of friendship. Summer 
vacation in the United States has given these children a break from the 
conflict and politics of their country and a chance to experience what 
many might take for granted during their youth.
  Denis Mulcahy and his brother Pat founded the program together after 
they immigrated to New York. A retired member of the New York City 
Police Bomb Squad, Denis is truly the heart and soul of Project 
Children. His extraordinary dedication to peace and understanding has 
made a tangible difference in the lives of many in the U.S. and in 
Northern Ireland, and to the peace process on the island.
  A nonprofit all-volunteer organization, the program has fostered 
countless friendships among communities in Northern Ireland, Ireland, 
and America. Project Children along with host families, coordinators, 
fundraising volunteers, benefactors, and alumni here in the United 
States have played a pivotal role in the growth of this organization.
  Project Children has had a tremendous impact on the peace process 
along with U.S. and Irish relations. This group is one of the 
organizations that laid the community-wide foundation for the Good 
Friday Agreement, while continuing to serve as an example of the power 
of peace and reconciliation efforts at the grassroots level--as well as 
the power of individual leadership exemplified by Denis Mulcahy.
  During my time as a member of Congressional Friends of Ireland 
Caucus, I have been fortunate enough to be a part of many significant 
achievements in implementing peace in Northern Ireland. I have seen 
firsthand what organizations like Project Children have done to offer 
hope and a better life for future generations. Without this 
organization's commitment along with the leadership of Denis Mulcahy, 
many young men and women from Northern Ireland would not have the 
quality of life they have today. Congratulations to both Project 
Children and Denis Mulcahy on this momentous occasion.

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