BBC bake-off tests mettle of Kells-born chef

A Kells native is currently one of the stars of the very popular BBC 2 programme 'The Great British Bake-Off', the first of which was broadcast last night (Tuesday). Brendan Lynch, a native of Mullaghea, will be appearing in the show over the next few weeks, showcasing his baking skills. The 63 year-old businessman grew up in Kells, but moved to Dublin in the early 1960s and has been living for some 38 years in Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham. He is one of the 12 contestants in this year's 'Great British Bake-Off', which is the third series of the show. Brendan underwent a number of baking auditions, and technical questionnaires as part of the rigorous selection process. In last night's programme, he had to make a showstopper design cake, and he chose to call his a 'St Patrick's Day Celebration Cake'. There was a six inch disk on top with an ornate letter 'P' for Patrick, and other ornamentation in the style of the 'Book of Kells' calligraphy. It was wel- received. Brendan, whose brother Desmond and nephew, Ray, still live in Kells, explains that while baking is a hobby, it is one he is extremely passionate about. A son of the late Christina and Michael Lynch, his mother died when he was very young. He said its was a dear friend, the late Nan Byrne of Mullaghea, who inspired him in his cooking. "Nan opened up a whole new world of cooking to me. She studied in France and Switzerland and was a great cook and baker," he recalled. However, Brendan didn't really bake until his late 20s, when he started to teach himself to cook. He has his own middle management recruitment business and explained that he intends to retire shortly. "I am hoping to step back from the business within the next year and I would like to take my baking into retirement homes, as he believes having an interest like baking would be therapeutic for elderly residents," he said. "I had a friend who had to go into a home, but there was nothing to do there, and it crushed her. She was dead within four months," he added. Brendan still visits his family in Kells and intends to be here next year for The Gathering celebrations.