Reilly's Daughter Irish Soda Bread Contest Winners Selected

OAK LAWN, IL - The winners of the 2019 Irish soda bread contest at Reilly's Daughter in Oak Lawn have been announced. The popular bar at 111th and Pulaski held its annual pre-South Side Irish Parade contest on Saturday.

Kailey Bourke was the first place winner, winning airfare for two to Ireland. Quinn Sullivan won second place and $300, while Erin Nelligan took third and $100. $25 gift certificates were given to the fourth through 10th place winners.

Reilly's Daughter Owner Brendan O'Brien said there were 97 entries in this year's contest, which was more manageable considering the 2018 event generated a record 181.

"Last year was out of control," O'Brien said. "We had breads on top of breads, and fitting everything in became a struggle."

This year's contest winners were chosen by 18 judges, including the entire Chicago St. Patrick's Day Queen and court, 19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea, Oak Lawn Mayor Sandra Bury, State Rep. Fran Hurley, Oak Lawn Village Clerk Jane Quinlan and circuit court judges Chris Lawler and Tom Condon.

The contest was the fourth annual since Reilly's brought back the tradition started by O'Brien's father at the old Reilly's Daughter at the same location during the 1990's.

"It was a great day," O'Brien said. "It's something fun we put on for the neighborhood. It's not about making money... more of a day of community."