Two Mayo bakers into national brown bread competition semi-finals

IT seems there’s something in the Mayo mix this year as two local bakers have risen to the challenge and secured their places in the semi-finals of the National Brown Bread Baking Competition.

Both Maureen Igoe, Ballina, and Josephine Kelly, Kiltimagh, will be among the eight talented contestants competing in the brown bread baking competition, which will be held at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, on September 16 and 17. The top four bakers will then go forward to the final on September 18.

Speaking on the achievement, Maureen Igoe said: "I'm thrilled to make it to the final eight. Fifty plus years of baking has gone into this moment."

Josephine Kelly also expressed delight to have qualified for the semi-finals.

The champion will take home €5,000 in cash and a NEFF Slide and Hide oven. Three finalists on September 18 will win €500 Euronics gift cards, while all other finalists will receive a €250 Euronics gift card and a Neff hamper.

Supported by Euronics in association with the National Ploughing Association and the Irish Country Women’s Association, the competition is set to be a feast for the senses.