Templemore is probably not the best place to commit a crime at any time of the year. And tomorrow is definitely a day to avoid anything illegal as the largest police presence in a long while is set to invade the Tipperary town.

The occasion is the annual European Police Cross-Country Championships, with teams from police forces throughout Europe set to compete in the races for both men and women. Of course our own Gardai will be hoping to bring home some of the individual or team honours, but the standard is of the highest quality.

Past winners of the event include double Olympic champion Lasse Viren of Finland, and most of the 28 competing countries include athletes that would feature prominently in any international competition. "Many of the runners competing for European police forces are almost full-time athletes," according to event organiser Garda George Maybury.

The men's race (10.5km) takes place at 12.15 p.m., preceded by the women's (5km) at 11.30 a.m.. The Coiste Siamsa (Garda Athletic Association) are the official hosts of the event and with Jameson the main sponsor, it promises to be an enjoyable day for all involved.