Cork GAA has launched a major voluntary initiative in which 92 clubs will clean-up various locations around Cork city and county this Saturday. Cork GAA Community Clean-Up Day coincides with World Clean-Up Day, which takes place the previous day, and is aimed at promoting community engagement, raising environmental awareness and taking pride in shared spaces.
Cork GAA is the first county board in the country to undertake an initiative on this scale and is calling on all hurling, football, camogie and ladies football clubs to don their colours and get involved.
The event is part of Cork GAA’s Sustainability Vision and, with a goal of collecting and properly disposing of large volumes of waste, it aims to foster a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone to enjoy.
The following clubs across The Avondhu catchment are participating this weekend: Castletownroche, Killavullen, Kilworth, Ballyhooly, Glanworth / Harbour Rovers, Ballygiblin, Kildorrery, Mitchelstown, Shanballymore, Bride Rovers, Glenville, Watergrasshill, St Catherines and Mallow.
There are three key highlights to the clean-up, namely environmental impact, community engagement and youth involvement.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
By removing litter from public spaces, the initiative will help protect local wildlife, improve public health, and enhance the natural beauty of communities.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The event encourages community participation, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility for the environment.
YOUTH INVOLVEMENT
Young athletes and their families will play a significant role, teaching the next generation the importance of environmental responsibility and community service.
PLAY YOUR PART
Enda Buckley, Chair of Cork GAA Sustainability Committee said that by working together, we can ‘make a difference’.
“Sustainability is the bedrock of Cork GAA. The organisation is sustained by its communities where the passion for our games is passed from one generation to the next, and we must ensure we pass on the planet in a stronger position to the next generation. This initiative builds on the fantastic work already done by clubs and communities in our city and county and we are incredibly proud of all our members for organising it and getting so many people involved. Together we can make a difference.”
Equipment to assist with the clean-up is being provided to the clubs along with additional supplies and refreshments for all volunteers.
SATURDAY – 10AM-2PM
Motorists are asked to be mindful of groups who will be on public roads, particularly between the hours of 10am and 2pm this Saturday.
Cork GAA Community Clean-Up Day is supported by the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs) as part of their 2024 Anti-Dumping Initiative. It is being carried out in partnership with Cork City Council, Cork County Council and An Taisce and clubs will be engaging with their local TidyTowns committees.
For more information, visit https://gaacork.ie/CLEANUPDAY
