Louth woman celebrated as Ireland’s Best Baker Runner-Up

Ireland’s best bakers were recognised this week with the runner-up of Ireland’s Best Baker with Gala Retail named as Chloe Lynch from Dundalk, Co. Louth. Mary Buckley from Rathcoole, Co. Cork, won the overall title of Best Baker and 16-year-old Leah Mallinson from Newbridge, Co. Kildare picked up the title for Best Junior Baker.

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. Chloe’s chocolate and Guinness pie, impressed the judges, earning her the runners-up title and a €500 prize.

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 Chloe in the final were Mark Daly Williams from Dublin who baked parsnip and orange olive oil muffins and Mary Buckley from Rathcoole, Co. Cork, who had the recipe for success with her award-winning scones, taking home the prestigious title of Ireland’s Best Baker and a €3,000 cash prize.

In the Junior Baker category, Leah Mallinson 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. Leah was joined by finalists Elena Clarke from Foxford, Co. Mayo, with her traditional brown bread, and Bobby Sherwood from Arklow, Co. Wicklow, with his oreo and biscoff cupcakes.

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.

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“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 Chloe and all those that 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.”

This year’s Ireland’s Best Baker competition received entries from across the country, with categories ranging from scones and muffins to cupcakes, breads, tarts, and traybakes. Over €6,500 in prizes was awarded as part of the initiative to celebrate local talent and foster a sense of community through baking.

For more information about the competition and to view highlights from the event, visit www.gala.ie/bestbaker.