5 days ago
Brown Bread Baking Competition finalists revealed
The eight finalists for this year's National Brown Bread Baking Competition have been officially announced.
The popular competition is supported by Euronics, in partnership with the National Ploughing Association (NPA) and the Irish Country Women's Association (ICA).
Over the past month, the judges have sampled over 130 loaves of brown bread from every corner of Ireland.
They have now whittled down dozens of worthy contenders to just eight exceptional bakers.
The selected finalists are as follows:
Pauline Browne (Dublin);
Faith Ekonorue (Dublin);
Helen Walker (Dublin);
Áine Cotter (Cork);
Maureen Igoe (Mayo);
Josephine Kelly (Mayo);
Tracey Mullin-Ryan (Galway);
Kathy Bolger (Wexford).
According to the judges each finalist represents "a blend of personal flair and deep-rooted Irish baking heritage, reflecting the diversity and richness of brown bread recipes passed down through generations".
The semi-finals of the competition will take place at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly on September 16 and 17.
The grand final, where Ireland's best brown bread baker will be selected, will be held on the afternoon of September 18.
Rose Egan who won the competition in 2024. Image: Leigh Paige
Spectators at the National Ploughing Championships will have the unique opportunity to witness the nation's top brown bread bakers in action, showcasing the skill, patience, and precision it takes to create Ireland's most beloved loaf.
The winner will take home €5,000 in cash and a NEFF Slide and Hide Oven, which is valued at over €2,000.
Áine Cotter from Co. Cork said she is "incredibly surprised and honoured to be chosen as a semi-finalist in the National Brown Bread Baking Competition".
"It is a real privilege to take part in this truly unique and wholesome experience," she added.
Another finalist, Pauline Browne from Co. Dublin explained how one of her earliest memories is kneeling on a chair by the kitchen table, helping her grandmother make the brown bread.
"Never once did she use a weighing scale. It was all by feel. So this is very special for me to be a finalist at the National Brown Bread Baking competition," she said.
