In 2017 three Scholarships were established at the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (SMAE) at Queen’s in memory of SMAE student Colum McNally.  They will be awarded on an annual basis and are intended to both inspire and support students as they complete their degree programme.

In his short life Colum portrayed exceptional talent in the field of engineering and won the UK Young Engineer of the Year Award with his hydraulically operated “Agri-Hammer” in 2015. During his secondary education Colum was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and while receiving intensive treatment, he continued his studies.  Having succeeded in his A-levels he progressed to third level education gaining a place on the Mechanical Engineering pathway at Queen’s University Belfast.  While still undergoing treatment for his illness, Colum completed the first year of his studies at Queen's but in October 2016 he sadly lost his battle against cancer.

Colum had a tremendous passion for life in general and engineering in particular.  In addition to his own endeavours he was always willing to help anyone both on a technical and personal basis. He was an inspirational and outstanding individual and it is very fitting that these scholarships have been established in his memory.

Pictured above are this year’s recipients Daniel Bradley (Product Design Engineering), Peter McBride (Mechanical Engineering) and Brogan McKeown (Mechanical Engineering)  with members of Colum’s family as well as our Head of School and our Director of Education. 

Photo L-R: Professor Brian Falzon (Head of School), Mr Mark McNally, Mrs Joan McNally, Mr Daniel Bradley, Mr Peter McBride, Mr Brogan McKeown, Mr Paul Hermon (Director of Education).

In order to be eligible for a scholarship, Stage one students in any one of our three degree programmes in Mechanical, Aerospace or Product Design Engineering, are initially required to meet a financial eligibility criterion.  Eligible students are then invited to complete an application form from which three students are chosen for the award of the scholarship which is valued at £5,000 per year for three years.