The Council of  Irish Associations of Greater Bergen County is honored to present an annual award to an outstanding individual whose dedication to neighbor serves as a shining light to all those who search for the answer to the question “Am I my bother’s keeper”. The award recipient plainly answered that question “yes I am.”

The Irish experience in America was born out of a desire to live in freedom and self-determination. From the slow trickle of the colonial period to the deluge that began with the Great Hunger of the 1840s, the Irish experience was steeped in tragedy and want. These experiences of the past have given to the Irish People an understanding of the frailties of the human condition and  the powerlessness of people when up against natural forces and great human conflicts.

The long traditions established by the Irish in American addressing the need of her people are a milestone in the charitable behavior of the world. Through both religious and secular institutions, the Irish have the needs of others as a conscious thought spearheading their journey through life.

Through this award, the Council brings recognition to an individual who represents the best in the Irish tradition of helping those in need. Their work to help their fellow-man should serve as a guide for all those who continue to seek an answer to the same question and cause them to answer “yes I am”. 

2011 Humanitarian Award

Denis Mulcahy

In 1975, Northern Ireland was still in the middle of a long period of political violence.  People were dying and children were growing up scared.  Protestant and Catholic families were insulating themselves against each other – fleeing integrated neighborhoods in search of segregated enclaves.

Into this drama enter Denis and Pat Mulcahy.  Born in Rock Chapel, County Cork in the Republic of Ireland, Denis and Pat emigrated to New York where they joined the New York Police Force.  Heartsick at the thought of so many young people growing in a climate of hate and violence, they decided to do something to help the children. That summer they brought six children from Northern Ireland – three Protestants and three Catholics – to Greenwood Lake, New York, where they lived. Each year Project Children grew and now brings more than 600 children over and places them with host families in more than twenty states. The budget is close to a million dollars. None of it goes to salaries.

Denis Mulcahy, the founder of Project Children, doesn’t use the power of personality or the force of rhetoric to inspire others to join his cause. Denis Mulcahy leads by example. Over the past thirty-seven years he has quietly masterminded summer vacations in America for more than 22,000 children in Northern Ireland. He has given these children – Protestant and Catholics – a much needed break from the grim politics of their own country and an extraordinary chance to play together. He hasn’t done it all alone.  Denis is quick to praise Project Children host families, area coordinators, fundraising volunteers, and benefactors. Denis considers himself simply one of the many. But Denis is truly the heart and soul of Project Children.

The Council of Irish Associations of Greater Bergen County is honored to recognize a man who has seen the struggle of young people losing their childhood in an atmosphere of violence and has devoted his time, talent, and resources to improving their lives and setting their example as a hope for the future of all people in the North of Ireland.

 2010 Humanitarian Award

Sister Mary Trinity Kenny

January, 2010, earthquake hits Haiti leaving in its wake death,
destruction and disease. In less than six weeks a concert is given
with Irish entertainers to help raise funds for relief in Haiti. It

was no surprise that the organizer of this concert was Sister Trinity.
Her answer to the suffering in this world is action. Sister Mary Trinity
of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters is an inspiration to all of us.

Born and raised in Kilconnell, Ballinasloe County Galway. She
received her primary education in the village of Kilconnell and
attended Secondary School at Mercy convent in Ballinasloe. ·While
recovering from an operation in Galway Hospital Ireland, she received
a calling from Almighty God to dedicate her life to helping others.

She entered the Missionary Franciscan Community at Bloomfield in
Mullingar. A successful cyclist in her teens, her competitive spirit has
endured throughout her life.

Sister arrived in the United States in July 1955 and was stationed for a
short time in New York City. From there she was sent to Boston where
she remained for many years. For health reasons she was transferred to
Tenafly, New Jersey. After a convalescing period of several months,
Sister received permission to assist Mother Margaret in the gift shop
located on the Convent grounds in Tenafly. Thus the Missionary
Franciscan Gift Shop emerged. Through the many years of operating
the gift shop, Sister has been able to come in contact with many
wonderful people who have assisted her with the many charitable
activities she has fostered: The Walk for the Hungry and the Lenten
Soup Suppers for the poor and needy are but a very few of the annual
events organized by Sister. In addition, she organized many charitable
events including Concerts and other Activities for the Missionary
Franciscans. Sisters Infirmary in Tenafly. Her drive and determination
to help others in need in spite of her physical discomfort and personal
sacrifice is the hallmark of her character which has impressed all of the
people who have come to know and love Sister over the years.