WATCH: Communities bursting with pride during mass Team Limerick Clean-up campaign

IT WAS a bright and cheerful morning as a record-breaking near 21,000 volunteers took to the streets of Limerick city and county to take part in Team Limerick Clean-Up 5.

Leading the charge on europe’s largest one-day tidy-up were the event’s sponsor JP McManus and ambassador Paul O’Connell. No less important were the army of volunteers, who came from every town and village in Limerick to tackle litter across the city and county.

Community pride radiated from every man woman and child who took time out of their Good Friday Schedule to lend a hand in the drive, which is sponsored by JP McManus Benevolent Fund and managed by Limerick City and County Council..

On hand were members of the victorious 2019 All Ireland Limerick hurling team, Munster rugby legends, community/residential groups, businesses, charities and a generous helping of well-known local faces.

Declan Hannon, Dan Morrissey and Aaron Gillane were among the All Ireland champion hurlers who traded the hurl and sliotar. They were far from the only sports stars there as rugby referee, Joy Neville joined Heineken Cup winners Jerry Flannery and David Wallace to play their part in the clean-up.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader, who were on hand to help in cleanup, sponsor JP McManus spoke about his pride for Limerick city and county, as thousands turn out to play their part in cleaning up their communities.

“I am proud, I always am. We are here today to celebrate our 5th year, and to acknowledge the 20,000 people who have come out today, including a lot of young people. A lot of people have given up there Good Friday morning so that we have a cleaner and healthier environment,” said Mr McManus.

“To think this time last year, we were out tidying, and Limerick hadn’t won an All-Ireland since 1973. You can really feel the extra energy and excitement about the place here today, particularly with the hurlers out in force, too. It’s been an amazing effort by all volunteers and I extend my thanks to everybody out here today,” he added.

Commenting on Team Limerick Clean-Up 5, Paul O’Connell said; “It’s amazing to break the 20,000 volunteers’ number and I’d like to thank every person who gave up their time today to help make Limerick a cleaner place. It’s been quite a journey over the past five years and Team Limerick Clean-Up has so much potential beyond just a one-day tidy-up. I’m hugely excited to see what the next five years will bring.”

Limerick hurler Declan Hannon was in the city to play his part before he headed back to Adare to take part in the clean up there.

“I am just here to support the Team Limerick Clean-up, it’s a great initiative. I’ve been doing this for the last number of years, and I must go out to Adare after this, they’re great in Adare, they do a cleanup every week,” said Declan.

This year, Team Limerick Clean-Up stresses the sustainability message more than ever – prevention is the best cure when it comes to littering and looking after the community.

In the lead up to today’s event, Team Limerick Clean-Up ran the ‘Design A TLC Bottle’ competition for primary schools across the county.

All entries were on display at the Hunt Museum, Limerick city centre and Team Limerick Clean-Up will be pressing ahead with further sustainability initiatives in the months ahead.

JP McManus visited several areas in Limerick to see the tidying efforts first hand, including Tait House Community Enterprise, St Munchin's and Moyross Community Centres, and Our Lady of Lourdes.

Team Limerick Clean-Up is an initiative sponsored by the JP McManus Benevolent Fund and supported by Limerick City and County Council. Endorsed by Paul O’Connell, the official partners include Mr Binman, the Limerick Leader, Limerick Post and Limerick Live 95.