the 8th far was originally formed in ballincollig in 1979. it was made up of the reserve batteries which had once formed part of the 1st far. the regiment consisted of two batteries: 2nd battery (25 pounder field guns) and 21st heavy mortar battery (120 mm mortars). the unit moved to collins barracks in cork city following the closure of ballincollig barracks. 2nd battery and 21st battery merged to become 1st battery of the 31st far on 1 october 2005.