by Oakleaf Press Admin | Jan 20, 2026 | News
The Project Children Story is a deeply human account of one of the most extraordinary and compassionate responses to the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
From the mid 1970s, thousands of children from across the North were quietly lifted out of violence, fear, and daily tension, and brought to the United States for weeks of peace, fresh air, and ordinary childhood. They were welcomed into homes by strangers who became family, often for life. For many, it was the first time they had ever slept without listening for sirens, helicopters, or rioting in the streets.
This book tells that story through the voices of the children themselves, now adults, alongside host families, coordinators, and volunteers who gave their summers, their homes, and their hearts. It traces childhood in the shadow of conflict, the shock and wonder of America, and the long echoes those experiences left behind, shaping lives, careers, relationships, and identities in ways that are still felt decades later.
What emerges is not nostalgia, nor sentimentality, but something far more powerful. Stories that are sometimes heart wrenchingly funny, sometimes quietly devastating, and often life changing. Stories about kindness, courage, confusion, culture shock, and connection. Stories about what happens when ordinary people decide to do something extraordinary.
Written with care, honesty, and respect, The Project Children Story is as much about humanity as it is about history. It is a record of what was endured, what was given, and what it meant, then and now.
Coming autumn 2026 from Oakleaf Press.
by Oakleaf Press Admin | Apr 26, 2025 | News, Press & Media
Latest Press Release
Celebrating 50 Years of Change: The Project Children Story
Bridging Divides: How an Inspiring Idea Became Project Children
From Rockchapel to Reconciliation: The Journey of ‘Project Children’
By Yvonne Reddin/Jane Buckley
Over 50 years ago in New York, a conversation between Patrick Mulcahy and his wife Kathleen sparked an idea to help children from Northern Ireland by bringing them to host families in America. Patrick then pitched the idea to his family, and the planning began.
Together with his siblings Denis, John, and Tom, Patrick decided to do something constructive after seeing footage of the Troubles on television. Initially, there was some resistance in the community due to the inclusion of Protestant children, but they pressed on. The initiative evolved into the volunteer-run ‘Project Children.’
In the summer of 1975, after Patrick and his wife returned to Ireland, Denis and his wife Miriam took over the project. Under their leadership, it continued to grow. They brought the first six children to Greenwood Lake in New York.
Project Children became a charity dedicated to fostering peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland by bringing children from divided communities to live together and experience life in America. Over the years, more than 23,000 children were brought to America for six-week holidays, some as young as eight. The Mulcahy family hails from Rockchapel, County Cork, where their roots are deeply embedded in the local culture. With its rich history and a strong sense of community, Cork played a significant role in shaping the Mulcahys’ early experiences and values. Denis emigrated to the United States in 1962 and joined the New York City Police Department in 1969.
Motivated by the struggles in Northern Ireland, Denis used his background to help advance the initiative, giving young people the opportunity for personal growth and cross-community friendships. His work has been recognised worldwide, highlighting his dedication to peace-building and intercultural understanding.
Denis received numerous awards and accolades throughout his life. In 1993, Ireland’s President Mary Robinson presented him with the ‘Irish Voice’s Community Person of the Year Award. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 and 1993 and was a runner-up to Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa. Denis was named one of the top 100 Irish Americans of the Year in 1994 and was a guest of President Clinton at the St Patrick’s Day celebration at the White House. He also received the ‘Top Cop Award’ from Vice President Al Gore and met President Clinton in the Oval Office in 1995.
In 2016, How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story, a documentary narrated by Liam Neeson and featuring contributions from Bill Clinton, was produced. The film aired on RTE and BBC, showcased Mulcahy’s work promoting peace and reconciliation and highlighted Project Children’s impact on Northern Ireland.
To commemorate Project Children’s 50th anniversary, the organisation has formed a cultural partnership with Monaghan County Council and the Peace Campus in Monaghan town. This collaboration focuses on promoting cross-community peace initiatives throughout Ireland.
Denis Mulcahy, Chairman and Co-Founder of Project Children, said, ‘I am very pleased with our partnership with Monaghan County Council, and it’s an honour to continue our 50-year legacy at the Monaghan Peace Campus.’
Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, shared, ‘The Cultural Partnership between Monaghan County Council and Project Children will create a lasting legacy for the people of Monaghan and the surrounding region.’
Liam Bradley, Curator of Monaghan County Museum, added, ‘The museum is proud to be the new home of the Project Children story. I look forward to working with Project Children as we continue to explore and celebrate this programme’s remarkable legacy.’
In celebration of the 50th anniversary, Derry-born author Jane Buckley has been commissioned to write the history of Project Children, including its origins, the Project Children Intern Programme, and the ongoing Mulcahy Scholarship. The book, set for release in 2026, will highlight the program’s significant impact on the lives of many children.
From an out-of-the-blue conversation between man and wife to establishing a peace campus, the Project Children journey exemplifies how one’s roots can ignite a lifelong commitment to fostering positive change. With the Monaghan Peace Campus archives and the upcoming book, Project Children’s milestones will be preserved and accessible for future generations.
A special screening of the Project Children: ‘How to Defuse a Bomb’ produced by Alleycat Productions was held on Thursday, 10th April, from 5.30 pm at the Guildhall, Derry/Londonderry.
by Oakleaf Press Admin | Oct 1, 2022 | News
Hi everyone!
I’ve been training hard, and my goodness, it hurts! Yes, I’ve even given up wine, so the last few weeks have been particularly productive, and I feel better already! I also believe it’s helped my writing as I’m sleeping better. The jeans are marginally looser, making me feel chuffed with myself.
It’s been a funny old time since the Queen’s death. I’m not a Royalist, but I respected the woman who worked tirelessly throughout her life. I keep hearing the word “constant” used to describe her, and I can understand why. “Constant” has become essential to many of us because our lives have changed beyond recognition from the early 70s. To name but a few transformations, we now have laptops, the world wide web, iPods, iPad, TV streaming channels, mobile phones, working from home etc. We always had some form of stability when we saw the Queen getting on with what she did. The future will tell all under King Charles III – we shall see.
Meet & Greet
Alongside finishing the edits for Light V3, I’ve been doing my best to get as many copies of Turmoil into the world through marketing, advertising and, frankly, tormenting people. For me, Facebook and Instagram have proven fantastic ways of raising awareness of the books. Still, as an ex-sales woman, I believe it’s better to just get out there, meet people and talk about your product, namely, my books.
To do this, I’ll be outside the Visit Derry Centre in the Guildhall Square on Saturday 8th, October, from 1.00 pm. Weather permitting, to meet and greet all you book lovers, hand out some flyers, and I hate to say it, but Christmas is coming! I’ve got quite a few other events coming up that you might be interested in… click the button below to have a look!
Reader Demographics
I thought you might be interested in hearing the demographics of the readers who have bought my books so far. My original vision for writing the series was to help the younger generation understand living in Derry during the Troubles. What I find fascinating is that I was wrong! My target audience is not buying my books, but their mammies, daddies, grannies and grandas are!
Why? I hear you ask. Well, it appears that although the violence of the Troubles is and will never be forgotten, it’s the simple things in 1972’s Turmoil that the more mature of us enjoy most. Quirky things like gas and electric metres running out! Making your own clothes, the togetherness of the women linking arms as they go to work at the factory, the descriptive clothes, the music and the everyday living of growing up in the early ’70s in Derry.
Another surprising discovery is that I’ve hit the 55-45% mark between women and men buying the books. These statistics tell me the series is an all-rounder that appeals to all, which is fantastic, considering women are much more avid readers than men! My biggest market is the UK (not surprisingly), Ireland, New Zealand and the US!
Wherever you are, whatever age or gender, I just wanted again to thank you for your ongoing support!
JB
Ps. If you’ve lent the book to a family member or friend, can you nag them to do a review! 🙂
