Annie Ryan's 'Witnesses: Inside the Easter Rising' was the first account of the 1916 Rising to be based on the statements given by participants in the Rising to the Irish Government in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Now, in 'Comrades: Inside the War of Independence'. she expands her field of research and continues the story, recounting the dramatic events in Ireland's struggle to achieve independence from Britain. She discusses the recruiting of Volunteers and the creation of the Flying Columns, sheds light on the key role played by all those who offered logistical support to the nationalist forces, and describes how the networks built up during this time formed the basis for the government of the fledgling Irish state. 

The author gives due weight to the importance of the intelligence gathered by Michael Collins's network of spies and informers, and presents first-hand accounts of the mnay ambushes and other engagements that occurred across the country during the war, including the little-known Battle of Pettigo. Above all, the witnesses are allowed to speak for themselves about this crucial period in Irish history - which was to be followed by the acrimonious debates on the Treaty and a descent into civil war.