Young Mayo baker's brown bread wins her proud distinction

Elena Clarke from Foxford is being celebrated this week after being named runner-up of Ireland’s Best Junior Baker with Gala Retail.

Aged 13, Elena’s handmade brown bread, impressed the judges, earning her the runners-up title and a €500 prize.

The competition, launched earlier this year, called on amateur bakers from across the country to share their best home-baked creations, showcasing the talent and passion for baking that exists in homes, kitchens, and communities throughout Ireland.

Organised by convenience group, Gala Retail, the final was held during a live bake-off event at Airfield Estate in Dundrum, Dublin, with a judging panel led by much-loved baking expert Catherine Leyden and TikTok baking star Alice Kelly, and the winners announced on Ireland AM.

Joining Elena in the junior bake-off final were Bobby Sherwood from Arklow, Co. Wicklow, with his oreo and Biscoff cupcakes and Leah Mallinson who impressed the judges with her vanilla cupcakes topped with white chocolate Swiss meringue buttercream and fondant decorations, earning her the Junior Baker of the Year title and a €1,500 prize.

Mary Buckley from Rathcoole, Co. Cork, won the overall title of Best Baker and a €3,000 prize with her hand-made scones. Joining Mary were Mark Daly Williams from Dublin, who impressed with his parsnip and orange olive oil muffins, and Chloe Lynch from Dundalk, Co. Louth, who presented a rich and indulgent chocolate and Guinness pie.

Each finalist received €500 in recognition of their impressive baking skills.

Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, commented: “Gala stores are at the heart of communities across Ireland, and this competition has highlighted the incredible baking talent within those communities.

"From traditional family recipes passed down through generations to creative twists on classic bakes, the standard was exceptional.

“In teaming up with Virgin Media Television, we gave people the chance to share their baking talent and passion and share their stories on a national stage.

“Congratulations to Elena and all those who took part. Their dedication, creativity, and love for baking captured what this competition was all about. We’re proud to have played a part in bringing that to life.”