Former construction worker, Malachy McRoe will today (Friday 29 June) graduate with a joint honours degree (BA) History and Sociology from the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics at Queen’s University Belfast. 

Malachy, 72, from Enniskillen, County Fermanagh had previously worked in the construction industry as a bricklayer for thirty-five years before completing an access course through Ulster University and beginning his three year joint honours degree in History and Sociology. 

Speaking ahead of his graduation ceremony, Malachy said: “I really enjoyed my course and my time as a student at the Queen’s, although I didn’t party, not even once.

“I have always had a passion and great interest in history, so it is a dream come true to be graduating with a degree in history and sociology from Queen’s. After thirty-five years working in the construction industry as a brick layer it was a completely new experience for me, but one I really enjoyed.

“After graduation, I am hoping to go on to do a Master’s in Modern History (Irish) at the University, and after that who knows.”