The mixing bowls are being prepped, ovens are being heated and the eight finalists of the inaugural National Junior Baking Competition, sponsored by Aldi in association with Foróige and the NPA, are getting ready for their county colour showdown!
The qualifiers of The National Junior Baking Competition were held through Foróige youth clubs and projects nationwide. There were four regional finals held around the country, where 8 budding bakers were picked to go forward to the national semifinals. These semifinals will be held on the 22nd and 23rd of September in the Aldi Marquee at the 2015 National Ploughing Championships Ratheniska, Co. Laois. Two people will be picked on the 22nd, two more will be picked on the 23rd, and all four will go head to head in the final on the 24th of September, where one will become the inaugural National Junior Baking Champion!
The theme of the National Junior Baking Competition is ‘County Cakes’ and the judges are anticipating some amazing creations from the eight finalists. The finalists are as follows:
-
Eastern Region – Hannah Power from Newbridge, Co. Kildare
-
Eastern Region – Jenna Smyth from Gleneany, Co. Wicklow
-
Midlands Region – Eabha Campbell from Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan
-
Midlands Region – Joanne Craddock from Cavan Town, Co. Cavan
-
Southern Region – Adi Canty from Listowel, Co. Kerry
-
Southern Region – Aine O’Mahoney from Kilbrittain, Co. Cork
-
Western Region – Jessica Rooney from Lacken, Co, Mayo
-
Western Region – Tara Mulryan from Moore, Co. Roscommon
The winner of the National Junior Baking Competition will win a trip for their local Foróige club or group to Delphi Adventure Centre in Co. Mayo. They will also win baking equipment to help them perfect their skills.
Sean Campbell, CEO of Foróige said, “This competition has offered our young members the chance to showcase their baking skills. The competition was fierce but we feel we have picked the best people to go forward and represent their local Foróige club in the finals at The National Ploughing Championships. It’s going to be a great few days and we hope to see lots of supporters in the Aldi Marquee cheering on these talented teens.”
Aldi Group Buying Director, Rob Farrell said, “At Aldi, we are thrilled to be sponsoring the National Junior Baking competition this year. The atmosphere in the Aldi marquee at the National Ploughing Championships is always one full of excitement, and we have no doubt that the junior bakers will add to it this year. At Aldi, we sell a range of great value baking essentials in our 116 stores nationwide, so these budding young bakers can continue making home baked goods all year round at the best value.”