Farrah Mc Donagh- BEng in Manufacturing Engineering

Name: Farrah Mc Donagh

School: Coláiste Mhuire, Ballymote

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choose your course

I started working with the company I’m completing my apprenticeship within October 2020and really enjoyed the work. I always found myself heading towards an engineering course and manufacturing engineering seemed like a no brainer as it incorporates all aspects of engineering I enjoy.

Why did you choose ATU Sligo?

I chose to study engineering at ATU Sligo as the engineering sector of the college has vastly expanded in the past few years. From attending open days I knew the machinery and facilities are top of the range so it seemed like a no brainer. I also wanted to stay close to my hometown of Ballymote so I could continue playing football with my club Sligo Rovers.

What advice would you give someone thinking about choosing ATU Sligo?

My advice for anyone thinking of choosing ATU Sligo is to go for it. There’s an a vast range of courses and facilities and the college is constantly improving and expanding. As well as that The student support available is extremely helpful and can be accessed by everyone who needs it

Do you like Sligo as a student town? e.g. things to do, food, nightlife, clubs and societies, accommodation etc.

I’ve lived in Sligo all my life and I think it’s the ideal student town. The college is located a ten-minute walk away from the centre of town where there are restaurants pubs and nightclubs open all days of the week. There are tonnes of activities to do at the weekends such as visiting some of the sights and beaches or going to the cinema or shopping.

What specifically about your course do you particularly enjoy?

I really enjoy the diversity of my course. My week is split up between academic lectures and practical classes such as workshops and labs. The course allows me to experience all aspects of manufacturing engineering from design to actual manufacture in the workshops as well. I think there are the perfect amount of fundamentals like maths and science that are applied in the workshops and design process.

What would you say to a student thinking about studying your course?

I would highly recommend partaking in the manufacturing engineering course. Learning on the job is becoming more and more common in the engineering sector and this course prepares students well for joining the sector

Tell us about your sporting career/success so far?

I started playing football with my local club Ballymote Celtic when I was 12 years old. I played with them all the way up until under 16 and I also played inter-county football with Sligo Leitrim at the same time. When I turned 15 I began playing with the Sligo rovers u17 ladies team and I continued playing with that team until this year when I progressed to the u19 level. I will continue to play with the Sligo rovers u19 ladies team and the college team this year.

What is the best thing about sports and sports facilities at ATU Sligo?

The best thing about sport in ATU Sligo is how you play with people from all around the country and the competition really helps you progress as a player.

How has the sports scholarship benefited you? What are the advantages of it?

The main financial benefit I received from the scholarship has been travel costs. I commute to and from college every day and the scholarship has really helped cover fuel costs. As well as that the use of the gym will also help me develop myself off the pitch

What is the best thing about sport and sports facilities at ATU Sligo?

The best thing about sport in ATU Sligo is how you play with people from all around the country and the competition really helps you progress as a player

How has the sports scholarship benefited you? What are the advantages to it

The main financial benefit I received from the scholarship has been travel costs. I commute to and from college every day and the scholarship has really helped cover fuel costs. As well as that the use of the gym will also help me develop myself off the pitch.

Find out more about Manufacturing Engineering