The very first Gala Retail and Virgin Media Television Best Baker competition has officially crowned its winners, with talented home bakers from across the country recognised for their baking skills.
Launched to shine a spotlight on Ireland’s vibrant home baking scene, the nationwide competition was launched by Gala Retail in partnership with Virgin Media Television. Open to amateur bakers of all ages, the initiative drew hundreds of entries from across the country, culminating in a hotly-contested grand bake-off final at Airfield Estate, Dundrum.
Taking home the title of Ireland’s Best Baker with Gala Retail was Mary Buckley from Rathcoole, Co. Cork, and 16-year-old Leah Mallinson from Newbridge, Co. Kildare picking up the title for Best Junior Baker.
Announced on World Baking Day, Sunday 18th May, Mary Buckley had the recipe for success with her award-winning scones, taking home the prestigious title of Ireland’s Best Baker and a €3,000 cash prize. In the Junior Baker category, Leah Mallinson impressed the judges with her vanilla cupcakes topped with white chocolate Swiss meringue buttercream and fondant decorations, earning her the Junior Baker of the Year title and a €1,500 prize.
The final aired on Virgin Media’s Ireland AM, with expert judging from Catherine Leyden, a household name in Irish baking, and popular TikTok baking influencer Alice Kelly.
Joining Mary in the final were Mark Daly Williams from Dublin, who impressed with his parsnip and orange olive oil muffins, and Chloe Lynch from Dundalk, Co. Louth, who cooked a rich and indulgent chocolate and Guinness pie.
The competition also celebrated up-and-coming talent in the Junior Baker of the Year category, open to bakers aged 12 to 16. Leah was joined in the final by Elena Clarke, from Foxford, Co. Mayo who baked brown bread and Bobby Sherwood, from Arklow, Co. Wicklow with his Oreo and Biscoff cupcakes. All finalists received €500.
Ireland’s Best Baker 2025 is one of several initiatives by Gala Retail to support and celebrate community involvement across Ireland. With more than 220 independently owned stores nationwide, Gala Retail is a longstanding supporter of supporting local communities and sports. Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, commented: “Gala stores are at the heart of communities across Ireland, and this competition has highlighted the incredible baking talent within those communities. From traditional family recipes passed down through generations to creative twists on classic bakes, the standard was exceptional.
“In teaming up with Virgin Media Television, we gave people the chance to share their baking talent and passion and share their stories on a national stage.
“Congratulations to Mary, Leah, and all of the finalists. Their dedication, creativity, and love for baking captured what this competition was all about. We’re proud to have played a part in bringing that to life.”
This year’s Ireland’s Best Baker competition received entries from across the country, with categories ranging from scones and muffins to cupcakes, breads, tarts, and traybakes. Over €6,500 in prizes was awarded as part of the initiative to celebrate local talent and foster a sense of community through baking.
For more information about the competition and to view highlights from the event, visit www.gala.ie/bestbaker.
