A BIG crowd turned up on Tuesday, despite the inclement conditions, for the now annual August Maharees Conservation Association beach clean.

Sponsored by Outwest this year, approximately 8kms of coastline was cleaned on the day by over 60 volunteers.  All participants were treated to free treats in Spillane’s Bar and Restaurant afterwards courtesy of Outwest.

Clean Coasts and Splash Sports were also on hand on the day to provide equipment, guidance and help with the bag collection and the Kerry County Council Dingle Area team picked up all the bags from key collection points.

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Shane Finn of Outwest said: “Outwest is delighted to be partnering with Maharees Conservation for this event. We recognise the incredible work that they do and the huge effort that goes into protecting this amazing place we get to call home. We’d encourage anyone to research some of the fantastic work Maharees Conversatoom does or better again, join us in getting involved.”

Martha Farrell from Maharees Conservation Association said: “Brandon Bay boasts the longest beach on the west coast of Ireland. It’s a stunning beach with a spectacular dune system and the Maharees Conservation team is actively working to protect it and its wildlife.”

“Huge thanks to everyone who turned out today despite the conditions – we’re blown away as usual by the spirit shown by our local and visiting community! We are so delighted to partner with Outwest on this clean up.”

“We will be running our fun quiz this Thursday night at 9pm at the Green Room Bar to support our Maharees Heritage committee and their Maharees Weekend in September,” she added.

Elaine Doyle, Clean Coasts Campaigns and Development Officer for Kerry and Cork said: “Clean Coasts are delighted to be here today. Beach cleaning is a simple but important step in keeping our waterways litter free. Important for not only ourselves but water quality and the wonderful marine life that call our oceans their home. The Maharees Conservation Association are such a symbol of the power of community and how we can make a difference to our world from our own locality.” Scroll down for photos…

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