Brian Croffey (Taughmaconnell), Lorraine Duignan (Beal na Muile), Claire Shannaghan (Athlone) at the Down N'Dirty Obstacle Course part of the Brideswell Pattern Festival 2012. Pic: www.hursonphotography.com

A new element of this year's Brideswell Pattern Festival proved to be a huge hit last Saturday, as 135 hardy souls tackled the 'down'n'dirty' obstacle course challenge.

This novel event took place in the townland of Knockanool, just beside Brideswell, and the 4-kilometre course promised "mud, sweat and tears," with a variety of natural and man-made obstacles which the competitors had to overcome.

Among those who took part was local TD Denis Naughten, who joked that his involvement "brought a whole new meaning to dirty politics."

The event was organised by the South Roscommon Macra Club in association with the Brideswell Pattern Festival and the number of people who got 'down'n'dirty' surpassed all expectations.

"We were expecting 60 to 80 people to turn up for it but in the end we actually had 135," said Keara Egan of South Roscommon Macra.

"Registration had been open in advance but over 100 people turned up to register on the day. We had people from all over - from Cork, Sligo and Donegal - and the feedback afterwards was really positive. There were no injuries, everyone enjoyed it, and everyone was talking about it."

Of the male participants, John Mannion from Kiltoom completed the course in the fastest time, while Mary Garvey was the fastest female to finish the cross-country challenge.

There were also awards for the dirtiest male and female at the finish line. A post-event BBQ was cooked by Johnny Green.

The 'down'n'dirty challenge' was open to over-17s only. This was the first year in which it formed part of the annual Brideswell Pattern Festival, which took place from Thursday to Monday last. The popular community festival featured a variety of music, theatre, dance and family events.