Major new book ‘The Warriors’ chronicles proud military heritage of Longford

Longford author Hugh Farrell has released a major new book charting the complete history of the 4th Motor/4th Cavalry Squadron — a detailed account spanning more than seven decades of Irish military history, from its founding in 1940 at Custume Barracks, Athlone, through its decades in Connolly Barracks, Longford (1972–2009), to its formal disbandment in 2012.

Farrell’s publication, ‘The Warriors’, traces the squadron’s movements across the country: from Athlone to Boyle in 1946, from Boyle to Plunkett Barracks in the Curragh, and in 1972 to Sean Connolly Barracks in Longford, where the unit remained for almost four decades before returning to Athlone in 2009. 

The book includes more than 300 photographs and several nominal rolls spanning generations of personnel.

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Longford County Library, Archives, Arts and Heritage Services will host the launch of ‘The Warriors’: A History of the 4th Motor Squadron/Cavalry Squadron’ this Friday, November 21 at 7.30pm in Longford Library. 

The event will be officiated by Noel Byrne, retired Lieutenant-Colonel and former Officer Commanding at Seán Connolly Barracks.

Hugh, who also authored a celebrated history of the 17th Infantry Battalion,  said his latest book grew from a determination to preserve a chapter of Defence Forces history that might otherwise fade away. “These were two books I really wanted to do,” he said. “I wanted to remember the people who served in these units. Those units are gone now, and I didn’t want their history or their names to disappear.”

The book covers the squadron’s early years in meticulous detail and documents its United Nations missions in the Congo, Cyprus and other conflict zones. Nominal rolls from 1957, 1973, 1974, 1992, 2008 and 2009 are included, along with full listings of those who completed overseas service.

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A major section focuses on the unit’s Longford years, when it became a designated border unit responsible for the Belturbet-to-Blacklion stretch during some of the most challenging phases of the Troubles. Farrell records serious incidents encountered by the squadron between 1972 and 2000, offering a rare, ground-level perspective on its work.

Reflecting on the research process, Farrell described it as both rewarding and deeply personal.

“I enjoyed writing the book very much,” he said. “It brought back some great memories — and a couple of nightmares too, but I won’t mention them.”

“It was a huge amount of research and a huge number of photographs. Anyone who ever served, even people like me who started out in the FCA, will be brought right back to the beginning.”

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‘The Warriors’ also includes the origins of the Armoured Car Corps in 1922, a profile of Sean Connolly — after whom the Longford barracks was named — and a tribute to Paddy Kelly, who died in Derrada Wood in 1983. A section on the 5th Motor Squadron in Castlebar, contributed with assistance from Mick Bohan, is also featured.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Garry Murtagh said, “I warmly congratulate Hugh Farrell on this book, which will attract great interest. The 4th Cavalry Squadron was woven into the fabric of our community for generations, and this book ensures that legacy will endure. It is a source of pride for the town and county.”

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Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said, “This book tells an important story for Longford- it is a tribute to service and sacrifice. Longford’s military tradition runs deep, and Hugh’s excellent work preserves that heritage for future generations.

‘The Warriors’ is priced at €25 and can be ordered directly from Hugh Farrell at 086 370 6562 or hufarel@gmail.com