After being ordained in Loughrea, in 1919, Fr John Fahy very quickly earned himself the reputation of being a `rebel priest." His close affiliation with Sinn Fin throughout the War of Independence stayed with him all his life and led to many a confrontation with the authorities of both church and state. The string of letters between himself and state authorities, and also with his bishop, add a depth of color and credibility to this lively and convincing review of his life, his mission, and his times.