BAKE OFF: Tara Tangney and Tracy Coyne pictured with Charlie Mae Mac Sweeney are organising a bake off next week in aid of the Great Bake Off for Crumlin and Temple Street. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

It's time to break out the baking equipment as two local ladies are planning a fundraiser for Crumlin Children's Hospital and Temple Street.

Legion GAA club members, Tracy Coyne, previous winner TV3's Great Irish Bake Off, and Tara Tangney of Tara’s Baked Bouquets, have organised the event to raise money for the children's hospital.

'The Great Irish Bake Off'  takes place next Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29 and both will be judging the competition.

It is open to all people not just Legion members and there are six categories: bread, tart/pie, cookie, small decorated cake, cupcake/muffin, large decorated cake but no fresh cream. There are two prizes for each category and drop off will be at Legion Clubhouse between 6-8pm next Friday.

Cake sale of baked goods will take place at Legion Clubhouse from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday May 29.

And should you wish to donate some goods but not be judged in the competition that’s perfectly ok too, they said.

The duo are friends with Legion Club Secretary Lara O'Brien whose daughter Charlie Mae had open heart surgery shortly after birth last year. Now 17-months-old, she's thriving but the women wanted to do something to help. Just last weekend Lara herself raised over €10k by running a marathon around Killarney with the funds going to play therapists in Crumlin.

"We're delighted to be supporting such a great fundraiser," Tracy Coyne told the Killarney Advertiser.

"We're encouraging all the small bakers to get involved having been honing their skills over lockdown. We're very excited to be looking at all their efforts."

Tara, who will be personalising some cupcakes on Saturday and will be giving out tips and tricks, added that both she and Tracy "are happy to be giving something back".

Entry is €1 and will be donated to Temple St/Crumlin. There will be a form to fill out on the day. Winners will be announced live on Legion's Facebook page at 11am.

If you have any queries please contact legion.secretary.kerry@gaa.ie or alternatively Tara Tangney at 087 226 0209 or Tracy Coyne 087 760 0099.