BILLIONAIRE horse racing owner and philanthropist, JP McManus, has said a community clean-up initiative, which he co-founded, is helping ease the debilitating issue of loneliness in communities, while keeping areas litter-free.
Speaking this Friday morning at the start of the 11th annual Good Friday Team Limerick Clean-Up (TLC) — Europe’s largest one-day clean-up — Mr McManus said: “People get to meet people they haven’t met and make new friends.”
“There is a lot of loneliness in our community, and nobody feels it is above them or below them to go out and help with the litter picking.
“We take immense satisfaction in seeing what TLC has matured into. There are some people taking part who might not know what they are doing for 364 days of the year, but they know on Good Friday they are going to be out with others litter picking, and it’s a bit of craic,” said Mr McManus.
The TLC co-founder said that “there are 400 team leaders and after the clean-up today, or during the week, they will get together and have a cup of tea and have a hot cross bun.”
TLC 2026 was better than ever, with a record-breaking 24,000 volunteers participating across the Treaty City and County, including 94 schools, 42 Tidy Towns groups, 48 sport clubs, individuals and families.
Mr McManus agreed the TLC initiative has also fostered shared ideas and friendships in rural and urban communities, all working with one aim, to keep local environments clean and help community relations.
“No doubt about it, and long may it last, and I think the foundation is there for it to last,” he said.
“What is nice to see is that it has been taken on board in other parts of the country too now, and someday, maybe Ireland Inc, on Good Friday, will be a day for all the other counties and communities to follow suit.
“I’m so happy that it has grown year on year, it’s hard to believe that 11 years ago, when we got together, it would grow from less than 4,000 participants to what it is today.”
TLC was founded in 2015, by Mr McManus, Ireland and Munster rugby legend Paul O’Connell, and Limerick businesswomen Helen O’Donnell, in partnership with Limerick City and County Council.
“Seeing our numbers rise again this year is very encouraging, 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,” said Mr O’Connell.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran said he was “immensely proud” of all those who participated and were entertained by the Limerick Tune-Weavers musical group and the City of Limerick Pipe Band.
Mr McManus, who is the main supporter of Limerick GAA, said he was also looking forward to the Alliance Division 1A National League Hurling final at Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds between Limerick and Cork on Easter Sunday.
The match is a sell-out in anticipation of the two fierce rival hurling counties clashing to claim the Dr Croke Cup, which Cork have their grip on, having won it in 2025.
When asked if his money was definitely on his native Shannosiders to beat the Leesiders, Mr McManus quipped: “I don’t have to have any money on to get satisfaction out of beating Cork.”
“Well, you’re only as a good as your last game, but it is all systems go for Sunday,” he said.
“You’re always hoping (for silverware). There is great rivalry between Limerick and any other county (in Munster) that has a hurley not alone Cork; it’s Tipperary, it’s Clare, it’s Waterford.”