WATCH: Paul O'Connell and JP McManus react to Team Limerick Clean-Up 9

THE CO-FOUNDERS of Team Limerick Clean-Up were given a pipeband reception when they arrived at Old Christian’s GAA Club.

Continuing the year-on-year rise in popularity, this year showed a 53% increase in sports clubs signed up to take part. Over 22,000 took part in today’s event.

Alongside sporting groups, hundreds of other groups took part, from scout groups to men’s sheds, businesses to schools and community and tidy towns groups.

A longstanding highlight of the event is the tea and coffee gatherings that take place after the clean-ups. For these, groups are supplied with tea, coffee, and hot cross buns at a location of their choice, where they can toast to all their hard work.

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell thanked the thousands of volunteers saying, “It is wonderful to see so many schools, residents, businesses, and community groups unite under the banner of Team Limerick Clean-Up in a collective effort to revitalise our city and county. To each and every volunteer I say, ‘thank you!’ TLC is more than just a one-day spring clean; it cultivates a lasting ethos of environmental responsibility. Each piece of litter collected brings us closer to a cleaner and even more beautiful Limerick.”

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TLC co-founder, Helen O’Donnell commented: “To see this event thriving after nine years illustrates the passion that the people of Limerick have for their county. As ever, the event would not be possible without the incredible support of Limerick City and County Council, Mr Binman and our media partners.”

Team Limerick Clean-Up is an initiative sponsored by the JP McManus Benevolent Fund and supported by Limerick City and County Council. Founded by JP McManus, Paul O’Connell, and Helen O’Donnell, the official partners include Mr Binman, The Limerick Leader, The Limerick Post, Live95, I Love Limerick, Elive, and Dunnes Stores.

Since its inception in 2015, TLC has seen over 400 tonnes of litter gathered from the streets by volunteers and event partner Mr Binman – equating to over 14,500 household wheelie bins with overall participation figures over the 120,000 mark.