Kildare teen one of 7 finalists for Ireland's 'Best Student Baker' competition

Athy student Maja Gliszcynska has progressed the final of Ireland's 'Best Student Baker' competition where she will compete against six other talented bakers for the overall prize.

A huge list of entrants from 110 schools across the country went for the Ceist All-Ireland Bake-Off competition, which is now in its third year and is organised with the support of baking brand Odlums.

The aim of the ‘Bake-Off’ is to encourage a new generation of bakers, with students asked to design, plan and bake a novelty cake.

Hundreds of submissions were received from 110 schools nationwide and these have now been whittled down to the final 14 entries. The ‘Bake Off’ final will take place on Friday March 9th when seven junior finalists and seven senior finalists will create their cake in front of judges, including Catherine Leyden, in Ardscoil na Trionóide in Athy, Co. Kildare. The finalists will have three hours to bake and decorate their cakes.

Athy student Maja actually attends Ardscoil na Trionóide in Athy, meaning she will be familiar with the kitchen for the competition.

Catherine Leyden, Odlums’ brand ambassador and a home baking expert, is one of the competition judges and she says: “It is always fantastic to see the high calibre of entries we receive every year from student’s around the country, and this year is no different. Baking is a life-long skill and to witness the creation of these incredible cakes really is something really special. I am delighted that Odlums and I can be part of this very special event and I’m really looking forward to encouraging students to pick up the wooden spoon and mixing bowl for many years to come. I want to wish each of this year’s finalists the very best of luck.”