Leitrim based volunteer shortlisted for the Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Awards

Martina Healy, aka, Leitrim Litter Picker on social media, was shortlisted in the Campaigner of the Year category for the annual Ocean Hero Awards. 

These awards pay tribute to the exceptional contributions made by Clean Coasts volunteers, groups, and communities in safeguarding our coast and marine life.

Martina's nomination in this category reflects her outstanding commitment to promoting the #2MinuteBeachClean campaign through social media.

Overcoming initial reservations, she set up an Instagram account, and in 2023, she committed to post daily about her litter picks, to demonstrate how easy it is to make a positive impact on our coast and marine life.

Martina commented, “Everybody has two minutes to spare, so everybody can make a difference.”

Established in 2006, Clean Coasts is a charity programme, run through the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce, which engages communities in the protection of Ireland’s beaches, seas and marine life.

Over the years, the programme has evolved, engaging over 2,000 Clean Coasts groups and 40,000 volunteers, becoming an integral part of coastal communities nationwide.