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Peter keenan O N E Longford, Longford (2026)

05/04/2026

EASTER SUNDAY PARADES 2026
The Peter Keenan Branch participated in two Easter parades today. Granard parade took place at 2.00 o clock in the historic North Longford town, weather was kind with prolonged sunshine. Longford Pipe Band led the parade as usual, followed by our branch. Strokestown parade started at 3.00 o clock, and was led by Patrick Tighe from the branch, supported by Ray Belton and Tommy Watson, Vincent Casey represented the Peter Keenan branch on the reviewing stand. Both occasions went off very well, thanks to all who turned out, your presence enhances those occasions, and is very much appreciated by everyone. Thanks to those who sent on the images posted here.

18/03/2026

SAINT PATRICKS DAY 2026
The Peter Keenan Branch participated in five parades over this weekend, the first of our St Patricks Day Parades was held before a large attendance in Ballinamuck on Sunday. Despite the inclement weather it was a most enjoyable event and was much appreciated by the enthusiastic crowd who thronged the historic village. Liam Forde a member of the Peter Keenan Branch, led the parade. Great turnout for the Longford parade yesterday, our members got through it without the rain. Lanesboro and Ballymahon were not as lucky with the weather, but the heavy rain during both did not dampen the spirit of those that took part. Elphin the last of our events, was like the Longford parade a pleasant affair, with no rain Thanks to our members who turned out, your presence enhances those occasions, and is very much appreciated by everyone. Thanks to those who submitted photos from the different venues.

15/03/2026

SAINT PATRICKS DAY PARADE 2026
The first of our St Patricks Day Parades was held before a large attendance in Ballinamuck today. Despite the inclement weather it was a most enjoyable event and was much appreciated by the enthusiastic crowd who thronged the historic village. Liam Forde a member of the Peter Keenan Branch, led the parade. Thanks to our members who turned out, your presence enhances those occasions, and is very much appreciated by everyone. Thanks to Steve Coy for the photos of those present today.

12/03/2026

EX TROOPER MARTIN PUGH
Thanks to everyone who turned out today to pay the last respects to Martin, the weather was unkind, but our members gave him a good send off, a fitting tribute to a former colleague and friend. Some images of the proceedings, and memories of Martin posted here.

10/03/2026

EX TROOPER MARTIN PUGH
We were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our friend and former colleague Martin Pugh, who died on Monday 9th of March 2026. A native of Ballyconnell Co. Cavan, Martin joined the army in 1973. After recruit training he transferred to the 4th Motor Squadron in Connolly Barracks Longford, he served over twelve years with the Cavalry, before leaving to take up a job in the area. In 1978 he served with the 43rd Infantry Battalion in South Lebanon, the first Unit to serve with UNIFIL. While serving, he was a great dependable soldier who never let his comrades down, his sharp wit and sense of humour endeared him to all who worked with him. From civilian life he always kept in contact with those he served with and was very proud of his time in uniform. To his wife Anne, his family, relatives and friends we offer our sincere condolences at this sad time. Rest in peace old friend.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS: Reposing at Glennon’s Funeral Home, Ballinalee Road (N39 EC81) on Wednesday 11th March from 6.00pm concluding with prayers at 8.00pm. Mass of the Resurrection on Thursday 12th March in St.Mel’s Cathedral at 11.00am, followed by Cremation at Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan at 3.00pm.

26/02/2026

EX TROOPER MARTIN WHITTON
We were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our friend and former colleague Martin Whitton, who died on Wednesday 25th of January 2026. Martin a native of Moydow, joined the army in 1984, he served with the 4th Motor Squadron for twelve years, leaving to take up a new job in 1997. He was a great Elvis fan, and often impersonated the king at social functions. Martin was a good soldier, but like the rest of us was prone to the same mistakes, but his desire to overcome his shortcomings always shone through. To his family, relatives, military colleagues and friends we offer our sincere condolences. Rest in peace old friend.
Funeral Arrangements: Reposing in Connell's Funeral Home, Church St, Longford, N39KN66 on Thursday 26th from 6pm concluding with prayers at 8.15pm. A Celebration Service of Martin's life will take place in Lakelands Crematorium, Dublin Rd, Cavan on Friday 27th at 2pm. Family flowers only please: donations if desired to the ICU Ward in Mullingar Regional Hospital c/o Connell Funeral Directors or any family member.

10/02/2026

JOHN BLEHEIN R.I.P.
We were saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and former colleague John Blehein, who died on Friday February 6th 2026. John enlisted in the army in Custume Barracks Athlone in 1985, after basic training he was posted to 4th Motor Squadron in Longford, with Paddy Cullen, Tony Healy, and Walter Gibbons, who have all recently passed to their eternal reward, he did his three-star training in Connolly Barracks Longford in the summer of 1986. He is remembered there as a good, trustworthy, dedicated soldier, with a great sense of humour. After a few years he transferred to Galway, he served overseas on a few occasions. He served many years with D Coy 6th Battalion as storeman driver. Rest in peace old friend. To his family, relatives, and many friends, we offer our sincere condolences. John’s Funeral Mass is at 12 noon today. Thanks to John’s good friends, Peter and Stephen for their input and memories of John.

01/02/2026

PETER KEENAN BRANCH ONET CLONFIN 2026
The Annual Clonfin Commemoration took place in glorious sunshine today. Thanks to all those that turned out, for the event. Some photos of the proceedings posted here.

24/01/2026

PETER KEENAN BRANCH ONET
The chairman would like to thank all who turned out this morning to pay respects to our friend and ex colleague Trooper Bernard Leahy who passed away on the 20th of January, it was very impressive and appreciated by all who were there. Our AGM which took place last night was a great success, National President Paul Cooley was the guest of honour. Paul presented twenty-five-year service medals to Jimmy Airlie and Tommy Murphy both long term members of our branch. There was a special presentation to Jimmy of a certificate conferring him as an Honorary President of the Peter Keenan Branch. Congratulations to Jimmy and Tommy and Pat McGann who have all been presented with medals recently, we wish them all good health and happiness for the future. Thanks to Paul Cooley for his attendance, Louis Herterich for the fantastic food, Longford Vintage Club for the use of their clubhouse, and everyone else that contributed in any way. Some photos of our recent activity posted here.

21/01/2026

EX TROOPER BERNARD (BERNIE) LEAHY
We were saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and former colleague ex Trooper Bernard (Bernie) Leahy. He passed away in Mullingar Hospital yesterday January 20th 2026. He enlisted in the army circa 1963; he was posted to the 3rd Garrison S & T in Limerick. He served two tours of duty in Cyprus with the 3rd Infantry Group 1964, and with the 42nd Infantry Battalion in 1965. When the trouble started on the border he was posted to A Coy 15th Infantry Group in Longford. In Longford Bernie met the love of his life, Jenny whom he married, he never left. In 1972 he joined the 4th Motor Squadron, and served with that Unit, he was a very dedicated, reliable, soldier. He was not a great story-teller, if asked about a purchase or procedure he could recall every detail, no matter how insignificant, and when you thought he was finished and itching to leave, he would hold you with the words “wait till you hear the best bit.” He left the army in the early eighties and worked for many years in Longford Tool & Plastic. Bernie was a loyal friend, a dedicated husband and great family man. To his wife, family, relatives, and friends we offer our sincere condolences. Rest in peace old friend.
Funeral Arrangements: Reposing at Glennon’s Funeral Home, Ballinalee Road (N39 EC81) on Friday 23rd January from 6.00pm concluding with prayers at 8.00pm. Mass of the Resurrection on Saturday 24th January in St.Mel’s Cathedral at 11.00am , followed by cremation at Lakelands Crematorium Cavan at 2.00pm.
Images of Bernie and Unit and Command Flashes.

03/12/2025

No trip to the border would be complete without visiting Paddy Kelly/Gary Sheehan memorial in Ballinamore, the Military Post Ballyconnell, and The Crows Nest with old friends Charlie Reilly and Adoghan O Neill, and Gerry Drumm who missed the photo shoot.

01/12/2025

TONY HEALY 4th CAVALRY
We were saddened to hear of the passing of our former colleague and great friend, Anthony (Tony) Healy, who died on Sunday 29th of November 2025, at his residence. He had been ill for some time. He enlisted in the army circa 1985, and after basic training in Columb Barracks Mullingar, he was posted to 4th Motor Squadron in Longford. He was a quiet, unassuming, dedicated soldier, very dependable, and his expertise in driving all army transport was second to none. He served in South Lebanon with the 65th Infantry Battalion in 1989, He left the army in 1991 and worked as a long-distance truck driver, he kept in touch with many of his former colleagues, down through the years. To his wife, family, relatives, and friends, we offer our sincere condolences. Rest in peace, old friend.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS: As per Anthony’s wishes a private cremation will take place. A Memorial Mass will take place followed by interment of cremains, at a later date.
Some images of Tony’s military days posted.

Peter keenan O N E Longford