Eight Talented Bakers battled it out for Top Spot at National Brown Bread Baking Competition
Last week saw eight incredibly talented brown bread bakers take center stage at the National Ploughing Championships for the National Brown Bread Baking Competition, sponsored by Euronics and in association with the National Ploughing Association (NPA) and Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA).
Following two days of semi-finals on the 15th and 16th of September, the eight finalists (four junior, four senior) secured their place in the highly anticipated final on the 17th, where they went head-to-head in the National Brown Bread Baking Competition tent with the coveted titles up for grabs.
The final four senior competitors included Sarah Davitt from Westport, Co. Mayo, Ann Loftus from Bonniconlon, Co. Mayo, Olivia Nash from Shankill, Co. Dublin, and Therese Lonergan from Athlone, Co. Westmeath, with each baker bringing their own experience, passion and family traditions to the competition.
Olivia Nash from Dublin emerged victorious and was crowned the 2026 National Brown Bread Baking Competition winner, taking home the top prize of €5,000 and a NEFF Slide&Hide oven worth over €2,000.
Speaking on the achievement of winning the competition, Olivia said “I thought my husband was lying that my bread was nice but I’m really happy to learn he’s been telling the truth the past few years and I’m delighted to have won!”.
Cara Wall from Dublin, Callum McKeague from Donegal, Lucy Tate from Cork and Aoife Ruddock from Leitrim, turned up the heat for the junior category of the competition, open to those aged 12-18, where they showcased their baking skills and put their own stamp on the traditional Irish brown bread.
After a closely fought final, Cara Wall was crowned Ireland’s best junior brown bread baker, taking home the coveted title and a €1,500 Euronics voucher, with an additional €1,500 Euronics voucher awarded to her school.
Speaking on her win, Cara said “I’m delighted to win and I’m glad that I got to use my grandmother's recipe. My school will also love the voucher!”.
The National Brown Bread Baking Competition continues to celebrate the best of Irish home baking, bringing together bakers of all ages and from across the country to showcase their skills at the National Ploughing Championships.
For more information, visit www.euronics.ie.
Slán go fóill.
