OCTOBER 2025

PROJECT CHILDREN'S 50th Anniversary Celebration

CO. MONAGHAN, IRELAND

Overview Gala Rewatch Events and Photos Sponsors Special Thanks

Project Children's Move to Monaghan Peace Campus

Project Children Archive
Announcement Reel
(1m 52s)

Monaghan Peace Campus
Exhibition Launch
(2m 2s)

To mark the 50th anniversary milestone for Project Children, and to ensure its message of peace through the eyes of children spreads for generations, Project Children forged a cultural partnership with Monaghan County Council and the Peace Campus in Monaghan town, dedicated to cross community and cross border peace initiatives across the island of Ireland.

The partnership will see the protection, preservation and perpetuation of the charity's 50 year legacy at the Monaghan Peace Campus. This state of the art building will showcase the archives of this iconic organization, that offered 23,000 Protestant and Catholic children a summer reprieve in America from the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Exhibition now open at the Monaghan Peace Campus. Visitors welcome daily.

Gala Rewatch

Gala Highlight Reel
(2m 55s)

Full Gala Show
(2h 32m 53s)

Events and Photos

DAY 1 - Tue, October 7, 2025

Welcome Dinner at Castle Leslie Estate for the US Delegation

DAY 2 - Wed, October 8, 2025

Official Exhibition Launch of Project Children Archive at Monaghan Peace Campus

Color Guard Parade in Honor of Project Children

Led by An Garda Síochána, this special parade included:
- An Garda Síochána Brass Band
- An Garda Síochána Mounted Unit
- An Garda Síochána Roads Policing Unit
- NYPD Pipe and Drums (marching and performing)
Official Opening of the Project Children Exhibition

Location: Monaghan Peace Campus

Special Musical Performance

Renowned Irish composer Michael Rooney lead Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan in a specially commissioned piece of music celebrating the story and spirit of Project Children.

DAY 3 - Thu, October 9, 2025

Monaghan Society of New York Community Gathering: Honoring Monaghan Immigrants and Project Children Supporters
Project Children Play at the Garage Theatre

DAY 4 - Fri, October 10, 2025

Project Children 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration at The Hillgrove Hotel & Spa

Premier Deluxe Sponsors

Special Thanks

Croston Flood Recruiting, Consulting and Events

Project Children was pleased to have Catherine Flood and Linda Croston of Croston Flood Recruiting, Consulting and Events help spearhead the archival, community engagement and fundraising efforts both in the US and Ireland.

Project Children Ambassadors

Our thanks to the 12 Project Children Ambassadors who helped represent this monumental milestone. You served as a bridge between our history and our future, and we deeply appreciate both your commitment and the generosity of all those who helped support you on your mission!

Breda Carroll

Office Manager
conceptcsi
Chairperson of Team Aisling

Patrick Connolly

Battalion Chief
FDNY

Kathleen Fee

Lead Singer & Songwriter
'Celtic Cross'

Paul Finnegan

Founder/CEO
Shantalla LLC
President of the IBO New York

Brian Green

Detective
City of New York Police Department
Chairperson of NY Celtics GAA

Sheila Keenan

President, Simplisk

Dermot F. Kelly

Director of Real Estate
Buck Realty of Long Island

Patrick McCormack

Retired Detective Captain
City of Yonkers Police Department

Joe McGirl

Former Chairman of Rockland GAA
Owner of Dakom Service, Inc.

Dr. James McLaughlin

FACC, MD/Cardiologist
Crystal Run Healthcare
AOH OC Div 3, F Secy
Greenwood Lake Gaelic Cultural Society

Noreen Ryan

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools / LAOH Division 19

Brian J. Sharkey

Retired Captain
NYC Department of Correction

Ambassador Reel
(52s)

This milestone celebration was not just about an anniversary; it was a heartfelt tribute to the countless individuals who are the very foundation of Project Children's success.

To Our Participants: We extend our deepest gratitude to every single child, host family, and volunteer who participated in the program over the last 50 years. You embraced the mission of peace and showed the world the power of friendship and understanding. Your stories are the legacy of Project Children, and you are the reason we celebrated!

To Our Dedicated Ambassadors and Champions: The success of our 50th Anniversary celebrations, and the gala itself, is a testament to the hard work and tireless dedication of our planners, partners and volunteers. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the fundraising, organization, and seamless execution of this momentous occasion. Your commitment ensured that our anniversary was a stunning success!

To Our Supporters and Attendees: Thank you to everyone who attended the gala! Your presence filled the room with joy and renewed commitment. We also send our immense gratitude to all those who contributed through generous donations. Your financial support is vital and ensures that the mission of Project Children continues for future generations.