WATCH: Offaly woman wins National Brown Bread Baking Competition at the National Ploughing Championships

Rose Egan from Ballycumber, Offaly is the winner of The National Brown Bread Baking Competition, supported by Euronics and in association with the National Ploughing Association (NPA) and the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA).

The event was a huge success with entries from across the country through the ICA and through Euronics regional heats.

The final was held this Thursday, September 19, in the National Brown Bread Baking Competition tent at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, county Laois where Rose stepped up to the challenge and emerged victorious, commended by the judges for her Brown Bread’s traditional appearance and perfect texture.

L-R: Robert Kennedy, Euronics, winner Rose Egan and her son Gary

Speaking after her win, Rose, who works at St Francis Boys National School in Clara, said she "is over the moon to have won".

"I am so grateful for everybody, the judges, my family my work colleagues, the children in school, I'm just over the moon."

This is Rose's second time entering the competition, after she got as far as the semi final in 2022. 

According to her son and 'chief taster' Gary, she didn't even expect to make it as far this year.

"I see how many hours she puts in doing everything, getting everything right, fanaticising over every little detail, so to see it all come to this and for her to win the prize is just amazing, I can't even explain it."

"I'm incredibly, incredibly proud of her, lot of work gone in and to see it all come to a head like this, she deserves it," he continued.

Rose will take home a cash prize of €5,000 and a NEFF oven, with the three finalists Martin Malone from Castleknock, Co. Dublin, Noreen Collins from Clonakilty, Co. Cork and Mary Rose Power from Kentstown, Co. Meath all walking away with a €500 Euronics gift card.