By Paddy McCarthy
The Project Children Picnic and 5K Fundraiser that was held on Sunday was a total success. Project Children is a truly inspiring program that changed the lives of over 23,000 children and families in Northern Ireland and this volunteer run organization is celebrating 50 years in October 2025.
To preserve the history, memorabilia, and the stories of many involved, Project Children will be archived and housed at the newly constructed Monaghan Peace Campus in Monaghan, Ireland for the world to be able to learn of the accomplishments of this hard-working organization. The Move to Monaghan is focused on documenting, educating and sharing the message of peace through the eyes of children with other countries, conflicts and world leaders.
The Project Children archive is about ensuring this success is shared so to offer optimism to the most difficult of conflicts. Last weekend’s event served as a means to raise much needed funds to aid Project Children in its tremendous archival project and its official “Move to Monaghan” Peace Campus initiative in 2025, the year of the organization’s 50th anniversary.
The former Taoiseach of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, and Minister Heather Humphreys, met with Chairman, Denis Mulcahy, on February 9, 2024 in Monaghan, Ireland to officially announce the cultural partnership between Project Children and the Monaghan Peace Campus. I am told that the volunteers came out in their droves to help it to be what it was, as I said a total success.
There were a lot of angles that I would like to point out only I would not have enough room for them all but I am told by Denis Mulcahy to pass on his gratitude and his thanks to all of you for being ambassadors as they “Move to Monaghan”. I will name some sponsors and individuals plus the “12”. You had Paul Finnegan, Eddie Dowling, Breda Carroll, Patrick Connolly, Kathleen Fee, Brian Green, Sheila Keenan, Dermot F. Kelly, Patrick McCormack, Joe McGirl, James McLaughlin, Noreen Ryan, Caroline Regan, Dolores Walsh and not to forget Catherine Flood and Linda Croston of Croston Flood Recruiting, Consulting and Events who put the professional mark on the whole event. From all of us here at The Irish Examiner USA we’d like to congratulate all the volenteers, sponsors and of course all those who competed in the 5K, well done to you all.
Now here is something that I often do not have in my Out&About column, but I found it to be so interesting that I just had to tell you about it as it’s all happening this weekend coming up: Westchester County is set to experience an extraordinary event that bridges craft, culture, and design from across the Atlantic. Milled + Made, a two-day celebration, will take place on October 26 and 27 at HudCo (145 Palisade St Suite 200, Dobbs Ferry, NY), offering a unique blend of trade and consumer showcases.
Something special is happening in Westchester this autumn, as craft, culture, and design from across the Atlantic come together in one place. Milled + Made, transforming the venue into a bustling marketplace filled with the creativity and craftsmanship of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. As day turns to evening on October 26, the Saturday Night Market will come alive from 6 pm to 9 pm, adding a bit of magic to the atmosphere.
Picture sampling premium whiskeys and gins from renowned Irish and Scottish distillers, chatting with the distillers themselves, while enjoying artisanal food crafted with just as much love and skill as the products on display. It’s an evening to discover something new, celebrate old traditions, and maybe even find your next favorite tipple.
Tickets are now available on the Milled + Made website: www.milledandmademarket.com/book. Don’t miss out on this chance to experience a bit of the Celtic spirit, right here in Dobbs Ferry.
I hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About again…