dingostew.com

Ireland's only roll in the hay contest has banned siblings from entering after a brother and sister won the inaugural challenge.
Organisers said legitimate lovers only will be allowed to take part in Sunday's quest in Trim, Co Meath, to find the country's greatest field fumblers.

Last year's contest raised eyebrows amid crowds of up to 7,000 people when a local brother and sister team picked up the top prize of a romantic getaway in a plush hotel.

"That's not allowed any more, the county will be getting a bad name," said chief organiser Pat Farrelly. "It's strictly romance from now on."

The sweethearts' showdown takes place on the banks of the Boyne under the shadow of Trim Castle - the setting for the Mel Gibson blockbuster Braveheart - as part of the Trim Haymaking Festival.

In another unique feature of this year's event, more than 10 ambassadors to Ireland will take part in a donkey derby.

The top diplomats - from Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, Greece, Kenya, Morocco, Portugal, South Africa and Sweden - will swap their robes of office for jockeys' silks, in the colours of their country.

Commentator Michael Slevin will provide live coverage while a bookmaker in period costume will take bets on the international chase.

Organisers say they have extended the tenderly crafted "Tunnel of Love" for the roll in the hay contest while a waterspray obstacle has been added to the wheelbarrow ride, hay nest and roll towards the river circuit.

A matchmaker will be on hand to find a suitable pairing for anyone without a significant other on the day. Couples are awarded points for technique and style but there will also be penalties for misdemeanours such as disturbing the hay too much during the roll.

Ye thats probably a good thing. Cant be giving the Irish a reputation for gettin it on with our siblings!

Hey, did u hear about the Paddy Olympics? Looks classic! They even invited Usain Bolt to take part in the backwards 100m!!