Kildare teen baker named Ireland's best!
Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, with Ireland’s Best Junior Baker 16-year-old Leah Mallinson from Newbridge and TikTok baking star Alice Kelly
A Kildare teen tasted sweet success as she was crowned winner of Ireland’s Best Junior Baker.
16-year-old Leah Mallinson from Newbridge claimed the honours with her award-winning cupcakes, taking home the prestigious title of Ireland’s Best Junior Baker and a €1,500 cash prize.
Reflecting on her win, Leah said: “I started baking with my mam when I was little, just helping out in the kitchen, and that’s where I first fell in love with it. Now I absolutely love making and decorating cakes and cupcakes – it’s my favourite thing to do.
“Winning Junior Baker of the Year means so much to me. I never imagined I’d get to do something like this, and I’m so grateful to Gala and Virgin Media TV for the opportunity. It’s been such an amazing experience – I’ll never forget it.”
Leah impressed the judges with her vanilla cupcakes topped with white chocolate swiss meringue buttercream and fondant decorations. Joining Leah in the final were Elena Clarke (aged 13) from Foxford, Co. Mayo, with her traditional brown bread, and Bobby Sherwood (aged 14) from Arklow, Co. Wicklow, with his oreo and biscoff cupcakes.
Organised by convenience group, Gala Retail, the final was held during a live bake-off event at Airfield Estate in Dundrum, Dublin, with the winners announced on Ireland AM.
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.
The final, which aired on Ireland AM, featured a judging panel led by much-loved baking expert Catherine Leyden and TikTok baking star Alice Kelly.
For more information about the competition and to view highlights from the event, visit www.gala.ie/bestbaker.
