Make sure to say hello if you see them.
Four members of An Garda Síochána have been deployed to France for the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off this weekend.
According to their social media announcement, this was a request from the French authorities, for as long as Ireland is involved in the world cup, which will last a total of seven weeks.
Given the thousands of Irish supporters travelling to France for the sporting event, they thought the Garda presence would be appropriate.
There will be a total of four Garda members deployed, including one Sergeant and three Gardaí, assisting Irish Rugby supporters travelling for the tournament.
This isn't the first time the French authorities have requested Gardaí to be deployed there. Back in May, there were mixed feelings as a small number of Gardaí were set to be deployed to Disneyland. In a statement to Lovin at the time, an Garda Síochána said this of their presence there:
"
The primary purpose of the deployment is to assist French police in dealing with Irish nationals visiting the area. This is similar to arrangements in other areas of France involving the temporary deployment of German, Spanish and Dutch police officers.
"The request is for the deployment of two Garda members in July and a further deployment of two members in August.
"Garda members are to patrol in uniform with French police officers and assist in the investigation of complaints by, or offences involving, Irish nationals."
At the time, people questioned whether it was necessary, claiming that there weren't enough Gardaí in Ireland, let alone enough to send to France.
In the end, the mission was quietly ditched, according to the
Irish Mirror.
Header image via Instagram / Garda Síochána
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