Meticulously using both archival and newspaper resources, this worthwhile study examines and classifies the response of Catholic clergy to the post-1918 troubles in Ireland. Of particular interest to the author is the activity (or non-activity) of priests on the local level, rather than the relations of the Irish hierarchy with either His Majesty's Government or the revolutionary leaders. Heffernan finds that, while no priests seem to have carried arms on either side, their individual responses ranged from point-blank condemnation of rebellion to willingly providing or concealing weapons for the IRA. In the early phases of the conflict, the reality that members of the Royal Irish Constabulary slain in ambushes were often neighbourhood Catholics led to a natural revulsion on the part of pastors. But the increasing presence and brutality of such foreign elements as the notorious Black and Tans led to a change of tone on the part of priests, just as naturally horrified by the reprisals taking place. While throughout the conflict most priests avoided any public comment, enough genuinely sympathised with moderate nationalism (and a small but significant number were willing to serve as ‘column chaplains’ and in other active ways) for a basis to be created for friendly cooperation with the emerging Irish Free State.