Ernie O'Malley was a medical student in Dublin when the 1916 Rising broke out. Although initially indifferent, he soon came to sympathise with the Republican viewpoint and joined the Irish Volunteers, later to become the IRA. He quickly rose through the ranks and was soon organising the IRA around the country, reporting directly to Michael Collins and Richard Mulcahy. Cormac O'Malley is Ernie O'Malley's son. He works as an international lawyer and has been extensively involved in ensuring his father's writings are made accessible to all those interested in Irish history. Vincent Keane is from Wesport and is familiar with the families of many of thee interviewees featured in the book. He worked in the Dublin Fire Department before retiring back to Louisburgh, Co. Mayo. He has an MA in history from Maynooth, is an active member of the Westport Historical Society and has contributed many articles to their journal.