Billy Briggs scholarship gives teens a taste of Irish culture

By Joe EmaNsKi

Billy Briggs created more than just a bar when he opened Tír na nOg on Hamilton Avenue in Trenton in 1991. He also created a community.

And although the man widely known as “Irish Billy Briggs” died in 2008, his bar, his legacy and that community endure to this day.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians Division No. 10 is a fraternal organization that sees Tír na nOg as a sort of second home. In 2010, Division 10 created a scholarship program in Briggs’ name as a way to honor him. Each year, the program sends two high school seniors on a three-week journey to County Donegal, Ireland, where they are immersed in Irish culture and history.

Michaela McFadden and Lauren Tracey were the first two winners of the scholarship. Thirteen years later, the Bordentown residents remain a part of the program, serving as co-chairs.

To help raise some of the funds needed to keep the scholarship going, 10 intrepid run-

See BRIGGS, Page 8