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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Daragh O'Brien
Kildare man Daragh O’Brien made history earlier this year as first man to win the national brown bread baking competition, taking home €15,000. The win will see Daragh’s bread go on sale in 155 Aldi stores nationwide for a twelve-month period.
An avid home baker, Daragh’s bread was commended by the judges for its crumbly texture and rich flavour. Daragh’s Brown Bread €1.99 (600g) go on sale nationwide from December 9.
Daragh is a native of Kilcock and lives in Naas.
This year’s competition took place at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, County Laois. Eight bakers from across Ireland competed over a two-day bake off with Daragh emerging victorious and winning the first prize of €15,000. The event features amateur bakers from across the country taking part each year.
Daragh O’Brien, said: “I’m humbled to be the first male winner. After spending many hours baking my bread at home, I’m thrilled that people across the country will have the opportunity to enjoy it for themselves.”
Group buying director at Aldi Ireland, John Curtin said: “This year marked our return to the ploughing championships following a three-year pause on normal proceedings and we were once again blown away by the quality and standard of the entries.”
NPA managing director Anna May McHugh said: “The NPA congratulates Daragh and the very first competition took place at the championships in 1954.It’s marvellous to see that it’s still as popular as ever and the tradition is kept alive.”
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