Project Children legacy events planned across Monaghan this October
Monaghan County Council and Monaghan County Museum, located at Monaghan Peace Campus has announced a special programme of Project Children Legacy events taking place from October 10 to 13, celebrating the enduring legacy of Project Children and the lasting friendships, connections and opportunities it created for thousands of young people.
Building on last year's 50th anniversary commemorations and the ongoing cultural partnership between Monaghan County Council and Project Children, the programme will bring together former participants, families, local communities and the wider public for a series of free events reflecting on the programme's impact.
A Place for Everyone: Community Day, Saturday, October 10, 11am to 4pm
The programme opens with A Place for Everyone: Community Day at the Peace Campus, a free family-friendly event celebrating creativity, culture, belonging and community.
Visitors can enjoy art workshops, sensory experiences, Minecraft activities, live music, museum tours and a variety of interactive experiences throughout the building. Activities include the Rossmore in Minecraft Exploration Lab, clay tile workshops exploring the theme of home, lace-inspired collage workshops, a sensory movement space, community art projects and pop-up museum tours.
Representatives from An Garda Síochána and Monaghan Fire Service will also attend. As part of the day, Foróige will mark World Mental Health Day through its Wear Green to Be Seen campaign, encouraging visitors to wear green and take part in conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
Documentary Screening, Sunday, October 11, from 6pm
A special screening of How to Defuse a Bomb will take place at Iontas, Castleblayney. Presented in association with Blayney Blades, the documentary explores peace-building, reconciliation and the human stories behind conflict resolution. A discussion and community engagement session will follow the screening.
The Unfinished Broadside, Monday, October 12, 7.30pm
Monaghan County Museum, in partnership with Bready Ulster Scots, will present The Unfinished Broadside at the Peace Campus.
The free performance combines drama, music, song and dance to tell the story of John Dunlap, the Irish-born printer who played a role in producing the Declaration of Independence. The production explores the historic connections between Ireland, Scotland and America.
The event has been grant-aided by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through the Commemorations Unit as part of America's 250th anniversary programme.
NYPD Gaelic Football Club Exhibition Match, Tuesday, October 13, from 12 noon
A unique NYPD Gaelic Football Club Exhibition Match will take place at St Tiernach's Park, Clones.
The afternoon begins with a cross-community children's blitz at 12 noon, bringing young people together through sport, friendship and fun in the spirit of Project Children. The NYPD Gaelic Football Club will then take on An Garda Síochána's Louth-Cavan-Monaghan Divisional GAA Team in a special exhibition match at 1pm.
Taking place ahead of the launch of Project Children: The Legacy later that evening, the event celebrates the enduring friendships and transatlantic connections fostered through Project Children over the past five decades. This free event is open to all.
Project Children: The Legacy book launch, Tuesday, October 13, from 4.30pm
The programme concludes with the launch of Project Children: The Legacy, a new book by author Jane Buckley.
Based on four years of interviews with former participants, parents, host families, coordinators and volunteers, the 600-page publication captures the experiences and memories of those whose lives were touched by Project Children. Featuring more than 150 photographs, it provides a lasting record of one of the most significant peace-building and humanitarian initiatives to emerge from the Troubles.
From 4.30pm, visitors are welcome to Monaghan Library at the Peace Campus, where they can purchase the book, meet Jane Buckley and have copies signed.
The official launch programme begins at 7pm and will bring together Project Children participants, supporters and special guests for an evening of reflection, storytelling and entertainment.
Exhibition tours and screenings
In addition to the headline events, the programme includes guided tours of the Project Children Stories exhibition at Monaghan County Museum, offering further opportunities to explore the personal stories and legacy of the organisation.
Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr Aidan Campbell, said he was delighted to see the programme of events getting under way.
"From community celebrations and cultural events to sport, storytelling and shared experiences, the programme offers something for everyone. I encourage people from across Monaghan and beyond to join us this October as we celebrate the enduring legacy of Project Children and the friendships it continues to inspire," he further commented.
Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, Robert Burns, said the local authority was proud to continue its partnership with Project Children.
"These events recognise not only the impact Project Children had on individuals and families, but also its contribution to building understanding, friendship and lasting relationships across communities and generations," he added.
Booking information
All events are free to attend, although some require pre-registration. Further information and the full programme are available at: https://monaghan.ie/museum/project-children/