Final call for Mayo brown bread entries for national baking competition

Mayo bakers are being reminded that the date for entries to the National Brown Bread Baking Competition, sponsored by Euronics in association with the National Ploughing Association (NPA) and the Irish Countrywomen’s association (ICA), is fast approaching. Entries from across the county will be collected at Brodericks Westport, Castlebar Road, Westport, and Keans Claremorris, Mount Street, Claremorris, (Eircode F12Y642) on Friday, August 7, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Bakers are advised to allow sufficient time, as no entries will be accepted after 11 a.m.

The competition, which celebrates Ireland’s rich tradition of home baking, will see 16 finalists (eight senior and eight junior) selected to compete at the National Ploughing Championships, from September 15 to 17. The addition of the junior competition this year also means that bakers aged 12-18 have the chance to showcase their skills, that have no doubt been passed down through generations.

A prestigious prize awaits the senior champion, including €5,000 in cash and a NEFF Slide & Hide oven valued at more than €2,000. The winning junior baker will receive a €1,500 Euronics voucher, with an additional €1,500 Euronics voucher awarded to their school.

Bonniconlon's Maureen Igoe was last year’s winner of the National Brown Bread Baking Competition. Maureen said: “I’ve been baking for over 50 years, but I honestly never expected to win, especially with such an amazing standard of competitors. It was a wonderful experience overall and I’d encourage anyone who enjoys baking to enter this year’s competition - you’ve got nothing to lose."

With the entry deadline now just days away, organisers are encouraging bakers from across Mayo to submit their loaves and take the opportunity to compete on a national stage. Further details on how to enter are available here.