For the first time in five years, the garda college in Templemore is preparing to welcome a new wave of recruits.

More than 24,000 people applied for the course as part of this recruitment drive - but only 100 of those will take their places next month.

Learning how to use a baton or drive a patrol car at high speed might be the first things that enter your mind when you think of what is in store for the new garda recruits.

But the BA in Applied Policing is aimed at teaching the core principles of the force and how to police communities effectively and safely.

Chief Superintendent Ann-Marie McMahon says the 32-week programme adopts a student led and problem based approach to learning.

Away from the classroom, the campus has a sports complex made up of full size pitches.

There is a handball alley, gym and swimming pool to name but a few of the amenities.

There is a lot of work to be done - but Superintendent Pat McCabe says it is important for the recruits to have their downtime, too.

Because of the ban on recruitment in the public sector, this is the first time since 2009 that the college has welcomed new recruits.