At a special ceremony held at Castle Leslie, County Monaghan, on 7 October, Ulster University conferred an Honorary Doctorate upon Denis Mulcahy, founder of Project Children. The distinction, which represents the University's highest honour, was awarded in recognition of Denis’s lifelong commitment to peacebuilding and creating opportunities for young people across the island of Ireland.
Born in Rockchapel, County Cork, Denis emigrated to the United States in 1962 and went on to serve with distinction in the New York City Police Department, retiring as a First Grade Detective after 33 years. Alongside his career, Denis co-founded Project Children in 1975, which over four decades gave more than 23,000 Catholic and Protestant children from Northern Ireland the chance to spend a summer in the U.S., away from the everyday violence of the Troubles.
Today, the programme has evolved into an internship scheme for university students across Ireland, offering cross-community and cross-border experiences while living and working in the U.S.
The award formed part of a series of events marking the 50th anniversary of Project Children. To safeguard its legacy, the organisation has partnered with Monaghan County Council and the Peace Campus in Monaghan town to protect the charity’s archives and highlight its impact as a beacon of cross-community and cross-border peace initiatives.
Ulster University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew, said:
“Through Project Children, Denis Mulcahy has left an indelible mark on peacebuilding and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and Ireland. His vision provided young people with hope, friendship and opportunities that transcended division and conflict. At Ulster University, we share his commitment to cross-community dialogue, global citizenship and inclusivity, and it is fitting that we recognise Denis’s extraordinary legacy with this honorary degree.”
Denis Mulcahy commented:
“Project Children was never about politics or religion – it was about the kids. We saw young people caught up in conflict and thought maybe we could do something small – take them out of that environment for a while, give them a bit of peace and a different perspective. That’s really all it was about – bringing Catholic and Protestant children together and showing there was another way.
"I’m deeply honoured that Ulster University has chosen to recognise this work. It means a lot to everyone who helped make Project Children what it became – the families, volunteers and supporters on both sides of the Atlantic.
"I’m also proud that, through our Cultural Partnership with Monaghan County Council, the new Project Children exhibition at the Monaghan Peace Campus will preserve that story and serve as a valuable educational resource for future generations learning about peacebuilding and reconciliation.”
Dr Carol Wheeler, Founder of the Washington Ireland Programme, who delivered a vote of thanks at the ceremony, added:
“It is a privilege to pay tribute to Denis Mulcahy, whose vision and tireless work through Project Children have changed countless lives. By offering hope, friendship and opportunity, Denis created a model of peacebuilding that continues to inspire generations on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The ceremony at Castle Leslie was attended by family, friends, supporters, and community representatives, including many from the United States who have been long-term hosts and supporters of Project Children. Together they paid tribute to Denis’s life-long service, from his career with the NYPD to his dedication to fostering peace and understanding between communities at home and abroad.
