Meet some of the Tipperary volunteers keeping their town clean for over 300,000 Tourists

Explaining why Cashel Tidy Towns means so much to the volunteers, chairperson Paddy Downey said the group is about much more than just keeping the town looking its best.

“It’s a social outing for people that want to get involved,” he explained. “We meet five mornings a week from 9am to noon and do some work around the town, but we also have a coffee and a chat.”

Other members spoken to were Cliff Cope, Ollie Walsh and John Ryan, who have each given their time to Cashel Tidy Towns for between three and 14 years.

The men said the social side of the group is an important part of what keeps volunteers coming back, providing an opportunity to meet people, get some fresh air and make a positive contribution to the town.

Paddy also said the Deposit Return Scheme has made a noticeable difference to the cleanliness of Cashel, with fewer used bottles and cans being discarded around the town.

He said the scheme has encouraged people to return their empty containers rather than leaving them as litter, helping volunteers keep Cashel clean and tidy.

“People are not discarding used bottles as much as they were before,” he said, adding that the change has made the work of Cashel Tidy Towns volunteers somewhat easier.

The members were keen to acknowledge the vital support they receive from Tipperary County Council and its staff. They said they simply could not carry out the work they do without the assistance and cooperation of the council and its workers.

The group shared that they are always on the lookout for new volunteers and are particularly keen to encourage more young people to get involved in keeping Cashel clean and tidy.

The men also praised the support they receive from businesses around the town, saying it makes a huge difference to the core group of around a dozen volunteers.

They highlighted the help provided by local businesses such as the Cashel Palace Hotel and McDonald’s, saying their support is greatly appreciated and plays an important role in helping the group carry out its work throughout the town.

“We also work with FÁS and people on schemes, as well as schools in the town. All the extra help is greatly appreciated,” the men said.

They stressed that the work of Cashel Tidy Towns is very much a community effort, with volunteers, schools, local businesses, people working on community employment schemes and the council all playing their part in helping to keep Cashel looking its best.

With the Rock of Cashel seeing almost 376,500 visitors in 2025, a 3% increase on the 365,505 visitors recorded in 2024, it is important for the group to keep the town looking nice so visitors will return to Cashel again.

A special mention was also given to local man Richie Price, who, they said, does his part in keeping the town tidy “rain or shine”.

The volunteers said the continued support from the wider community is greatly appreciated and helps ensure that the work of Cashel Tidy Towns can continue into the future.

If you would like to get involved please contact the Cashel Tidy Towns Facebook page.