Cork GAA announces community clean-up

Sun, 30 Mar, 2025 - 18:09

John O'Shea

Cork GAA have confirmed the details for the second annual community clean up day, which will take place on Saturday, April 12.

The inaugural event last year saw 3,000 participants from almost 100 clubs take part, with each club collecting an average of 12 to 15 bags of waste. This consisted mainly of drink cups, wrappers, packaging, plastic bottles, cigarette butts, and some green waste.

Supported by An Taisce, Tidy Towns, and Cork City and County Councils, the community clean up day is open to players, coaches, officials, and supporters of all ages.

Cork GAA are calling on all hurling, football, camogie and ladies football clubs to wear their colours and get involved. All participating clubs will be provided with litter pickers, gloves, bags, and hi-vis vests.

The initiative this year also sees regional recycling companies get involved, with KWD Recycling, Country Clean Recycling, and Wiser Recycling collecting the gathered litter directly from club facilities.

Enda Buckley, chair of the Cork GAA sustainability committee, is hoping that as many clubs as possible will take part in this initiative.

“This year’s Cork GAA community clean up day aligns with the national spring clean.

“It’s more than rolling up our sleeves and making our local community a cleaner place. Last year, we saw excellent volunteerism across communities and great collaboration within clubs, especially underage teams,” he said.

“The aim this year is to grow the number of clubs taking part to over 100 and we welcome all ages to put on their jersey and take part on April 12.

“It’s important to register by April 2 so that we can get all the necessary equipment to your club on time.”

The event is part of Cork GAA’s sustainability vision. With a goal of collecting and properly disposing of large volumes of waste, it aims to foster a cleaner and healthier environment.