Heavy metal thunder as police bikers go on tour

Anyone with an outdated tax disc may have got a fright yesterday morning if they were in the vicinity of Kilkenny Castle, as 160 motorcycle police officers gathered in force.

They were off duty, however, and in the city for the annual tour of the international Blue Knight Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, taking place this year in Ireland.

The event is promoting law enforcement and sees the 160 officers — boosted to 170 with the arrival of 10 more last night — from up to 12 countries touring around the southern half of the country from yesterday to next Sunday, when they will finish up in Killarney.