PICTURES: Not even the rain can dampen the community spirit of TLC volunteers!

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A RECORD number of volunteers hit the streets of Limerick city and county this Good Friday, braving the rain for a cleaner community.

Now in its 10th year, Team Limerick Clean-Up (TLC) has grown into what is believed to be Europe’s largest one-day tidy-up, uniting people of all ages and backgrounds for a common cause. 

From local businesses and schools to neighbourhood groups, sports clubs, and Tidy Towns committees, the entire county is rallying behind the milestone event - proving that not even the weather can dampen Limerick’s community spirit!

89 schools from across Limerick will take part, as well as 51 sports clubs, 41 Tidy Towns groups and 463 volunteer groups.

Marking the 10-year anniversary of the annual clean-up at a celebratory launch in St Munchin’s Community Centre, Kileely, crowds of volunteers and well-known faces attended and enjoyed teas, coffees, sweet treats. 

READ ALSO: Hot cross buns, candyfloss and birthday cake kicks off 10th Team Limerick Clean-up!

Among those in attendance were Limerick senior hurling manager John Kiely, Mayor of Limerick John Moran and founders of TLC, JP McManus, Helen O’Donnell and Paul O’Connell, who cut the TLC birthday cake and blew out the candles!

Mr McManus, Ms O’Donnell and Mr O’Connell founded TLC together in 2015 with an aim to foster and build relationships with the community, instil a sense of pride in the people of Limerick and protect the environment. 

All clean-ups finish up with a cup of tea, coffee, and a chat to celebrate the hard work done by families, friends, neighbours, colleagues, and communities. 

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said: "As Mayor of this vibrant and resilient city and county, I am immensely proud to see the incredible turnout for the 10th edition of Team Limerick Clean-Up.

"This initiative not only beautifies our streets but also strengthens the bonds within our community. The dedication and spirit of the 23,500 volunteers, organisers, sponsors and our own Limerick City and County Council staff embodies the true essence of Limerick.

"Together, we are making a lasting impact on our environment and showcasing the pride we have in Limerick. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this remarkable effort. Let's continue to work together to keep Limerick clean and green for generations to come."

Additionally, as part of its 10-year celebration, Team Limerick Clean-Up released a launch video, Make It Better, celebrating Limerick and its people.

Participants were asked about what Limerick means to them and what they love most about being from Limerick. Familiar faces include Cian Lynch, John Kiely, Róisín Ní Ríain, Paul O’Connell, Declan Hannon and Barry Murphy. 

The video name takes inspiration from its featured song, Make it Better by Limerick band Hermitage Green, and is available to watch here.

Sponsored by the JP McManus Benevolent Fund and supported by Limerick City and County Council, TLC last year saw 57 tonnes of litter collected.