Ardnashee ‘Great Bake Off’ victory for Derry's St. Joseph’s Boys again!

'THE GREAT BAKE' WINNERS . . . . St. Joseph's Boys School, winners of the Ardnashee 'The Great Bake' 2025 pictured after winning the trophy for the second year in a row. Centre is Mrs. Fionnvola McCaul, Home Economics teacher, with from left, Charlie Carton, Evan McGeady, Sean Harris and Shea McColgan. Missing from photo Mrs. Geraldine Murphy, Classroom Assistant. (Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography)

Success for St. Joseph's Boys School this year again in the Annual Ardnashee School’s ‘Great Bake Off’.

St. Joseph’s, represented by Year 8 pupils Evan, Noah, Sean, Shea and Charlie, came away with the top prize.

The Westway ‘Home Ecomics’ pupils faced stiff competition from schools across the district such as St. Mary’s, Lisneal and St. Columb’s College but still managed victory.

On the day, the young students created a fruit cake from scratch during their Home Economics class. They weighed the ingredients and sourced all the equipment required before literally rolling up their sleeves to bake.

MC Mickey Doherty who was also one of the judges on the day said the cake reminded him of going to his granny’s during ‘The Troubles’.

The local entertainer said his grandparents never had a lot of money, but that when his granny could put together some loose coins to bake, she served up the most amazing fruit cake and he continued by stating that the St. Joseph’s fruit cake was the ‘real deal!’

Fellow judges Richard Kehoe, Patricia Mahon (Coffee House) and Finvola Lyons (Ebrington Hotel) were equally impressed, expressing that they looked forward to tasting future St. Joseph’s creations at the next ‘Great School’s Bake Off’ at Ardnashee in June this year.

The young students received a magnificent trophy which now adorns the cabinet at the school’s entrance.

Speaking on the success, St. Joseph’s Home Economics teacher, Ms. Fionnvola McCaul said the boys were delighted to have won the award.

"To be fair, they put in a lot of work in preparation for the event and their dish really impressed the judges. It’s great to see them show such initiative and flair in the kitchen and they certainly made the school very proud of their achievement."

Pupil Evan McGeady said they were happy to have won the ‘Great Bake Off’ and were up against top opposition on the day.

"All of us couldn’t believe it when we won. Then finding out that this was the second year in a row the school took top spot, that was the icing on the cake!"

Congratulating the students and their teachers, Mrs. Deane, principal, added her delight at the success. "I am so proud of the achievement of the home economics team under the robust leadership of Ms Mc Caul.

"The department and the engagement with all outside programmes are going from strength-to-strength. However, I do confess to a particular fondness for our connection with the amazing Ardnashee school.

"I did not make it down to see the boys lift this prestigious award but Ms Fionnvola McCaul, teacher and Mrs. Geraldine Murphy, Classroom Assistant, shared that the experience was so worthwhile with some of our boys even getting the opportunity to catch up with family members that attend the school.  

"No doubt, watch this space for future pastry chefs from St. Josephs Boys School and I know that the winning home bakes are already sought after in the staff room!"