New Book Chronicles Full History of 4th Motor/4th Cavalry Squadron

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 the unit’s formation in Custume Barracks, Athlone, in 1940 to its stand-down 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.

The official launch will take place on Friday, November 21, at Longford Library, where members of the public are invited to attend.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Farrell said the project 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.

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 doing 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.”

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.

Farrell said he hopes the public will come out and support the launch.
“Make sure everyone knows they’re invited to the launch — the more the better,” he said.

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

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