Patrick Farrell was born in Eire and lived in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He enlisted in the General Service Corps and was soon posted to serve Airborne forces.

Rifleman Farrell successfully completed his glider training and was posted to 1st (Airborne) Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles, and took part in Operation Varsity (Rhine Crossing).

Rfn Farrell was killed in action on 24 March 1945, aged 21, and is commemorated on the Groesbeek Memorial to the missing.