The Kinsale Rugby 7s tournament returns after a three-year absence this weekend – with the Cork town warning visitors about the dangers of drink and drugs.

Signs erected around the town warn that “assaults, public order and drug offences are treated very seriously in the local court” and conviction could impact on your career and travel plans.

They also urge people to “enjoy alcohol sensibly, like”.

A sign warning against anti-social behaviour at the Kinsale Rugby 7s. Image: Jamie O’Hara

Around 5,000 people are due to attend that tournament, which will see 42 teams playing across four pitches on Saturday and Sunday.

The signs around the town were erected on the orders of District Court judge James McNulty after previous editions of the tournament saw some chaotic scenes.

G57ND0 Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland

Sponsorship Co-ordinator for the Kinsale 7s Tomás O'Brien said tournament organisers have discussed this year's event with stakeholders:

“People – hangers on as we call them – people who come to the town, tend to hang around a bit and do a bit of anti-social drinking on the streets, stuff like that, and other things that we don’t tolerate up here.

“We hope to address that this year. We’re always tight with it up here; we work well with the Guards and we work well with the committee and businesspeople in the town and councils as well.

“We’ve met all of them at this stage and I think everybody is happy that we have enough plans in place to deal with all matters arising for the weekend.”

On Lunchtime Live last week, Kinsale Councillor Marie O’Sullivan told said the people of Kinsale “love their town” and want people to respect it.

She said there will be a large Garda presence alongside the signs in the town over the weekend.

Reporting from Jamie O'Hara in Kinsale.