Local woman prepares for National Brown Bread Final

COMMUNITY NOTES: KILTIMAGH - WESTERN PEOPLE (SEPTEMBER 9 EDITION)

Kiltimagh’s Jo Kelly is getting ready to compete in the National Brown Bread Baking Competition final at this year’s National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore.

Jo will be in action on Stand No. 424 on Tuesday, September 16th, at 12 noon when she takes part in the first of the semi-finals. Two bakers from each semi-final will progress to Thursday’s final, with the overall winner receiving a cash prize of €5,000 and a Neff Slide & Hide oven worth over €2,000.

The competition has been a feature of the Ploughing since 1954 and continues to attract bakers from all over Ireland, each hoping their recipe will be judged the best. Contestants are asked to produce a two-pound loaf using their own ingredients and equipment, with only the oven provided on-site. Judges look for texture, flavour, appearance, and a loaf that cuts cleanly and evenly.

Jo has lived in Kiltimagh for many years but is originally from Enniscrone. She qualified through the Claremorris regional heats. Encouraged by her daughter and granddaughter, she entered the competition earlier this year and was surprised but delighted to be selected.

Baking has long been part of Jo’s life. She learned her skills as a teenager and has continued to bake for family, friends, and neighbours ever since. During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns, she supplied loaves to those nearby and has built up a strong local reputation for her traditional brown bread. She admits to being slightly concerned about using an unfamiliar oven in the competition, but has even been practising on her sister’s oven to prepare.

Together with her husband Pete, Jo will travel to Tullamore the day before the event, bringing all the ingredients and utensils required for her entry. She is one of eight bakers taking part in the semi-finals, four on Tuesday and four on Wednesday, with only four advancing to the final.

Jo is proud to be representing Kiltimagh on the national stage and is looking forward to what promises to be an exciting and memorable occasion. We wish Jo every success in the finals.