An Irish Rose grows in Sparta

SPARTA — Brielle Takacs-Senske, 22, of Sparta is a 2013 New Jersey Rose of Tralee contestant. A Rose “reflects the intelligence, compassion and independence of modern Irish women,” according to the international festival’s spokespeople.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland’s largest and longest running festivals. It will be celebrating 54 years in August. The festival brings young women of Irish decent around the world together for a global celebration of Irish culture.

Brielle has explored her Irish heritage in Donegal and Belfast, Ireland. Over the past six months, Brielle has volunteered with various Irish organizations and charities.

As a member of the Irish American Association of Northwest Jersey located in Rockaway, she recently represented Northern New Jersey’s Rose in the Morristown Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.

After Hurricane Sandy, Brielle volunteered with the Rosey Heart Foundation for the Toy Drive for the Children in the Rockaways affected by Hurricane Sandy. The day started off as a breakfast with Santa and ended with toys, Christmas trees and holiday decoration giveaways.

“When I saw a school teacher cry because her neighbors made her custom Christmas stocking for her four children, I realized what we were doing was beyond the material items, it was giving people their holiday spirit back,” said Brielle.

Brielle has also donated her time for the Claddagh Fund, a charitable foundation started in 2009 by Boston’s Ken Casey, singer of the Irish-themed punk rock band the Dropkick Murphys. The fund honors the three famous attributes of the Claddagh Ring: friendship, love and loyalty. Their mission is to raise money for the most underfunded non-profit organizations that support vulnerable populations in our communities.

The New Jersey and New York Rose of Tralee competitions will take place April 28 at the Empire State Casino.