College keeping the Force fighting fit

Not every third-level campus in the country is an unhealthy nest of laziness and vice. Michael Moynihan visited the Garda College in Templemore, where sport and fitness are taken very seriously indeed.

YOU probably have a preconception about the gardaí and sport, a picture in your mind which involves the GAA. That’s not far from the truth — this year, like most other seasons, both hurling and football All-Ireland finals featured several boys in blue — but it’s not the whole truth. For instance, you probably didn’t think the Garda College were looking into dodgeball, did you?

Unlike other third level institutions, sport is built into the daily curriculum in Templemore, says Sergeant Pat O’Connell: “Two hours every Wednesday are dedicated to sport, it’s seen as important in the development of student gardaí.