Rose Egan from Tullamore, Co. Offaly has been announced today (Thursday, September 19) as winner of the National Brown Bread Baking Competition, supported by Euronics.
The competition runs association with the National Ploughing Association (NPA) and the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA).
The winning loaf was judged by a three way panel including: Eleanor Martin from NEFF; Thelma Burke from the ICA; and the 1973 winner Eileen Brennan from the NPA.
The winner was commended by the judges for her bread’s “traditional appearance and perfect texture”.
Agriland caught up with one of the competitors and a judge at the semi-finals today to get a taste for how the competition was going and what a winning loaf would look like.
Speaking to judge, Eleanor Martin, she said that the main characteristics of a prized bread includes a “nice appearance”, with an even bake, along with a good texture, including a crumbly crust and of course, the flavour is key.
Egan will now take home a cash prize of €5,000 and a NEFF ‘slide & hide’ oven, which is worth over €2,000.
On winning the competition today, Egan said that she was feeling “over the moon” to have won.
“This competition has been an incredible experience from start to finish, and I’m so grateful to Euronics, the NPA and the ICA for making it possible,” Egan said.
The other three finalists will not walk away empty handed either, with the three finalists receiving a €500 Euronics gift card.
The other finalists included: Martin Malone from Castleknock, Co. Dublin, Noreen Collins from Clonakilty, Co. Cork and Mary Rose Power from Kentstown, Co. Meath.