The days of the 17th Infantry Battalion remembered in new book by Longford author

A new book honouring the men and women of the 17th Infantry Battalion—one of Ireland’s most storied reserve units—is launching at Longford Library on Friday, June 20 at 7.30pm, with journalist Paul Williams (a former member of Mohill’s E Company) launching the event.

Titled The Glorious 17th Infantry Battalion, the book is the work of Hugh Farrell, a former soldier who spent nearly 40 years in Connolly Barracks, Longford. It features over 300 photographs, personnel lists, and records from each company, which played a vital role in rural recruitment and training.

“This book is for the thousands who passed through the gates,” Farrell said. “And for communities like Mohill, Cloone, Aughavas—everywhere that helped make the 17th what it was.”

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The book also includes a tribute to the Irish soldiers from the region who fought in the Siege of Jadotville in 1961—many of whom later became instructors in the 17th. Among them was Comdt Joe Leech, who served as the unit’s commanding officer from 1979 to 1983.

“I knew a lot of the lads. I worked alongside them, and I wanted to make sure their contribution was remembered,” Hugh said. “You’d never forget the characters you met. Most of them were sound.”

The 17th Battalion, a Reserve unit formed in 1959 and disbanded in 2005, left a deep mark on the community. According to Hugh, shutting it down was a major loss: “It didn’t cost much to run. We had trained soldiers everywhere, ready to help if needed. And they were proud to serve.”

Among the many veterans connected to the Battalion is Graham Tobin, who served for more than four decades across various units. He held the rank of sergeant for 31 years—one of the longest-serving NCOs in the Defence Forces. “I miss it like mad. You’d never meet a group of people like the ones in the 17th.”

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Tobin recalled how the Battalion was once the backbone of training and readiness across three provinces: “We had lads from every corner—Leitrim, Longford, Roscommon. You’d meet on weekends, go to summer camps, train hard, and make friendships for life.”

He also highlighted how inclusive the unit was. “When I joined, I knew nobody. But I was made extremely welcome. There was always mickey-taking, but you learned. You were pushed. And if you didn’t know something, there was always a guy like Tadhg McGinley, Gerry O'Hara or Sam O’Keeffe to help you out.”

“It didn’t matter whether you’re an officer or a private, everybody was really treated well. The same.”

Farrell’s book also features memories remembered fondly and colourful sayings. While the book doesn’t focus on personal stories, these moments and characters shine through. 

Tobin, who finished up in the 6th Battalion after stints in the 54th Cavalry and 56th Infantry, said the decline of the Reserve was a major blow. “We were a thorn in their side because we kept turning up,” he said. “They didn’t know what to do with us—but we were committed. It wasn’t the same reserve by the end.”

Each company of the Battalion is documented with photos, personnel names, and historical details. Mohill’s company features prominently, with Hugh noting that it once formed a training hub for young people from surrounding districts. “There were trained soldiers in every little village—schoolkids really—who gave up their weekends for camps and summer training. It taught discipline, and they brought those skills into life.”

The event will be introduced by Paul Williams, who went on to become one of Ireland’s best-known journalists after 15 years serving in the 17th Battalion.

“There’s a lot of stories we can’t print,” Williams joked, “but the camaraderie and the training—that was the foundation. Those were some of the best days of my life,” Paul said. “The friendships, the discipline, the craic—we were just young fellas back then, but it shaped us. I remember it all. I'm really looking forward to the reunion and launch.”

The Glorious 17th Infantry Battalion is priced at €25 and available by contacting the author at 086 370 6562 or hufarel@gmail.com. Copies will be available at the launch on June 20.

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