Wreaths laid during Remembrance Sunday commemoration in Longford

The war memorial monument in Longford town's Market Square is one hundred years old and since it was erected in August 1925 the public has gathered each year since to mark Remembrance Sunday and commemorate the contribution of military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

Well known author and historian Hugh Farrell is a former member of the Defence Forces, spending nearly 40 years in Connolly Barracks, and the Peter Keenan Branch O.N.E (Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel) member delivered an oration at Sunday's ceremony.

Read more: PICTURES | Longford town's Market Square holds Remembrance Sunday

In June of this year, his book ‘The Glorious 17th Infantry Battalion’, was launched in Longford library by well known crime journalist and former member of E Company Paul Williams.

Mr Farrell outlined that Sunday's ceremony coincided with commemorations that were taking place worldwide to pay tribute and solemnly pay respect to fallen and survived war veterans.

“Our commemoration service began with a reading of the falling in Flanders Field, a minute’s silence and wreath laying. We'd also a couple of speakers including the Municipal District Cathaoirleach.”

Several dignitaries were present and wreaths were placed at the war memorial to remember those involved in World War I.
Mr Farrell explained, “We ask local councillors and members of the Oireachtas like Deputy Micheál Carrigy and Senator Joe Flaherty, and Martin Morris, the County Longford Archivist. “We invite all the families. Around 400 Longford men were part of WW1. We invite families from those who died and survived.”

Praising how the weather was lovely for the day, Mr Farrell observed that many members of the public were invested to stop and watch what was happening. He noted how there would be plenty of people in the community who would have connections to someone who was involved in the War.

After the respectful commemoration to acknowledge those who had survived and died in the War, attendees then went to Pig Market Lane for refreshments in Herterichs, where a number of presentations were made.

Mr Farrell explained how Louis Heterich is also a member of the organisation, as well as service personnel, so has close ties to the event.

Read more: Active Age group encourages Longford members to join and donate

Although he has already had a busy year with his book that was launched on June 20, Hugh is launching his second book of 2025 on Friday, November 21, in Longford library.

Entitled, “The Warriors: A History of 4th Motor Squadron/4th Cavalry Squadron”, it will be launched by ex-Colonel Noel Byrne.
Mr Farrell remarked, “This is the second book. I did one in June on the 17th Battalion. Paul Williams launched it. This was on the squadron with the one I served myself, from Longford 1972. During that time, I served them every year. I came to Longford in ‘73. In 2008, I went to Athlone.

“The book is on the squadron which was formed in 1940. A few months after I left, it stood down in 2012. The book covers all that. The launch is on November 21 in the library at 7:30pm and everyone is invited to come along.”

Hoping for plenty of support from the local community like for his previous book, Hugh’s works contain a lot of research on the local area, what the squadrons were like, as well as in-depth information for those interested in history.