Mayo woman wins National Brown Bread Competition at Ploughing 2025
Eva Osborne
A Mayo woman has won the National Brown Bread Baking Competition at this year's National Ploughing Championships.
Maureen Igoe, from Bonniconlon, Co Mayo, was announced as the winner of the competition on the final day of the Ploughing.
The National Ploughing Championships took place in Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly, from September 16th-18th this year.
The National Brown Bread Baking Competition, which is supported by Euronics and run in association with the National Ploughing Association (NPA) and the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA), offers a top cash prize of €5,000.
Igoe will also receive a NEFF Slide & Hide oven for coming in first place.
Speaking on her win, Maureen Igoe said: “I can’t quite believe it! I’ve been baking for over 50 years and this is definitely a highlight.
"People keep asking if I have a special ingredient, and I definitely think a drop or two of Guinness and a spoonful of treacle makes the difference.
"I’m going home to Mayo a very happy woman."
Igoe was commended by judge Eileen Brennan, winner of the competition in 1973.
Brennan said: "The bread was nicely cooked and was presented well. I believe you eat with your eyes, but the taste was also lovely and unique, making it a winner."
The three finalists, Kathy Bolger from Wexford, Pauline Browne from Dublin, and Áine Cotter from Cork, will all walk away with a €500 Euronics gift card.
