Record-breaking 24,000 Limerick volunteers for biggest one-day cleanup in Europe

Braving the rain in Glenside estate Annacotty is Helen O'Donnell with twins Ashton and Leo Mulcahy (9), for Team Limerick Clean-Up, which took place this Good Friday across Limerick. Pic Arthur Ellis

A record-breaking 24,000 volunteers, including billionaire JP McManus, took part in the annual Team Limerick Clean-Up (TLC), the largest one-day event of its kind in Europe.

Mr McManus was joined by rugby legend Paul O'Connell, business leader Helen O'Donnell, and Limerick hurling manager John Kiely for the event, which sees volunteer groups from every corner of the county gathered on Good Friday to make Limerick a cleaner and better place to live. 

More than 400 groups joined across the county, including 94 schools, 42 Tidy Towns groups, and 48 sports clubs.

TLC was founded in 2015 by JP McManus, Helen O’Donnell and Paul O’Connell, in partnership with Limerick City and County Council. 

The initiative aims to foster and build relationships with the community while protecting the environment. 

TLC Founders JP McManus, Helen O’Donnell and Paul O’Connell, said: “Last year was a tremendous success as we celebrated our 10-year milestone, and seeing our numbers rise again this year is very encouraging. We have had an increase in schools, sports groups, and Tidy Towns groups this year, which is very positive. We're very proud of how TLC has evolved over the last decade, and that comes down to the commitment, support, and pride of our wonderful volunteers."

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said: “It is heartening to see the same, if not greater, enthusiasm for the thousands of people getting up and out on Good Friday as there was for the first event back in 2015. I am immensely proud of everyone involved and want to let all Limerick people know that we are building a cleaner, stronger, more connected Limerick. Today embodies the progress we’re making on that journey.” 

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery, said: “Team Limerick Clean-Up is something I look forward to every single year. There’s nothing quite like putting on the high-vis vest, heading out into the community, and working side by side with neighbours and volunteers who all share that same civic pride. It’s such a simple idea, but the impact is incredible.” 

Sponsored by the JP McManus Benevolent Fund, TLC last year saw 50 tonnes of litter collected, which is equivalent to approximately 2,000 household wheelie bins of rubbish.