Crime journalist Paul Williams will be guest speaker at Longford book launch

Longford Libraries, Archives, Arts and Heritage Services will host the book launch of The Glorious 17th Infantry Battalion by Hugh Farrell, in Longford Library on Friday, June 20 at 7.30 pm. The launch will be performed by crime journalist and former battalion member, Paul Williams.

This new book traces the history of the 17th Infantry Battalion, which had its headquarters in Connolly Barracks, Longford town. Each company of the battalion is documented, including lists of personnel. Their triumphs and tragedies are also highlighted, and some 300 photographs are included throughout the book.

There is also a short account of the men from this area who soldiered at Jadotville in the Congo in September 1961. Many of them served at some time with the 17th Battalion as training officers, instructors or drivers. One of them, Commandant Joe Leech, was commanding officer of the battalion from 1979 to 1983. 

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Author Hugh Farrell served in the Defence Forces in Longford and knew many who were in the 17th Infantry Battalion. He is one of Longford’s most dedicated local historians and is a former Chairperson of County Longford Historical Society. He is currently the Chair of the Peter Keenan Branch of the ONE.

Speaking ahead of the book launch, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach, Mark Casey noted that this is a ‘must read’ for all who served, or had family serving, in the unit. “This book promises to be a great read, with so many great photos also included to give us great insight into this time in our history. I warmly congratulate the author Hugh Farrell, a great local historian. So many local people served in the 17th Battalion, it is a great source of pride in the town and county, and this is a must read for all.”

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Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon recognises the important contribution of this new book to local history. “Hugh’s new book tells an important story for Longford, given the strong military tradition there is locally. It adds greatly to our understanding of the battalion, including the people who served in its ranks, and it is a record of the 17th that will be enjoyed now and in the future.”