Local grad in international contest

Not a beauty contest, the Rose of Tralee is all about personality; By JoAnn Baker Hopatcong — Genevieve O’Reilly, daughter of Tom and Robin O’Reilly, was selected to represent New Jersey in the Rose of Tralee Festival in Ireland. O’Reilly is a 2004 graduate of Pope John XXIII High School who went on to Manhattan College to earn a bachelor’s degree in international studies. She is 22 years old. As the New Jersey Rose, she will travel to Ireland and participate in the Rose of Tralee International Festival for ten days. She will compete against 49 other “Roses” for the title of Rose of Tralee, a competition which is televised in Ireland over two nights. The contest The Rose of Tralee contest, inspired by the ballad of the same name, began in 1959 to promote tourism in Tralee and County Kerry. Originally, only women in Ireland were allowed to enter, but it has grown to include contestants from all over the world who are of Irish descent. The contest is not a beauty contest and does not include a bathing suit competition. The winner is selected on personality and social awareness. Although contestants can present a talent, it isn’t necessary. They do, however, have to fair well in a question and answer session. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the contest. Genevieve O’Reilly takes ballet, likes to bike and is socially active. She’d like to return to school to pursue a graduate or law degree, but whatever she does she’d like it to include travel. She and her family have lived in Hopatcong for 21 years. Her father came to the United States in 1971 from Ireland to play Irish football and decided to stay. Her mom is from Minnesota and is a wee bit Irish herself. Genevieve has a brother named Paraic, who graduated from Pope John in June.