Ballykissangel

Father Peter Cliffords journey from England ends in his new parish, the small Irish town of Ballykissangel. Its a change from his previous job in the centre of Manchester, but this rural Irish community is hardly the sleepy village he expected. The local bar owner, Assumpta Fitzgerald, seems to have a serious attitude towards the clergy, and is very surprised to discover that the man she offers a lift to is the new parish curate. Niamh wants to know what her boyfriend, the local Garda, will be like to live with when they get married. She is determined to have the two of them live together beforehand, but he does not want to commit a ""mortal sin"". Both seek advice from the new priest. As Father Clifford arrives, a new modern confessional is being delivered. Niamhs father, Brian Quigley, who seems to think that a fax-equipped confessional will be a great addition to the church, has donated it.

Niamhs wedding plans are disrupted when a stone statue falls off the church and through her fiancees car. As he had only just got out of the car he takes it as a sign that he should become a priest. Peter tries to talk him out of it, but Ambrose calls off the engagement. Niamh has other problems to deal with, as she becomes disgusted at the idea of her father meeting up with an ex-girlfriend. Local Hill farmer, Eamonn, attempts to provide evidence of his elusive sheep to the European Union, in order to get his subsidy, by constructing wooden sheep. Niamh decides she wants her wedding reception to go ahead, even if shes not having the wedding. Hardly a Wedding reception results in large sales of stout which Assumpta was given without charge, and after a little intervention by Peter, Ambrose gatecrashes the party and Proposes to Niamh.

Brian Quigley is persuaded to stand for election against Sean Dooley, after the death of the local representative to the Irish Parliament - The Dail. Brian pays for a replacement church bell, something that Peter is right to be suspicious of. Niamh is also unimpressed by her fathers reluctance to pay for her wedding reception. A television crew arrives to cover the election, and the reporter turns out to be Assumptas ex-boyfriend, Leo McGarvey, who is still in love with her. Liam and Donal, Brians workmen, find on Brians building site - a skeleton. While Ambrose is tempted to press charges against Brian, Peter suggests that they shouldnt postpone the wedding any longer, and if Brian is willing to pay for it, Ambrose could drop the charges. Dooley wins the election, but Father Mac and Brian are not disappointed - this means that Dooley will be off to Dublin, and out of their way. Leo gives up chasing Assumpta, but suggests that she has feelings for Peter.

Assumpta doesnt hold a very high opinion of the church. In the annual slave auction she is sold to Father Mac who does not hold a very high opinion of Assumpta. As a result, she has to provide accommodation for two visiting parish priests and a Bishop. Father Mac is less than impressed when he finds Father Peter pulling pints as Assumptas slave. A musician, Enda OSullivan, moves into BallyK and is cast as Assumptas love interest in the village play. Niamh is thrilled and thinks Assumpta should go out with him. Endas ankle is injured during rehearsals and Peter is brought in to replace him, which leads to a compromising situation witnessed by Father Mac. Brian refuses to fund the play unless Enda plays the lead role. With a little help from Dr Ryan Enda is back on his feet in time for the opening night - much to Peters disappointment.

Brian makes a video to attract American tourists to Ballykissangel, but the locals acting skills are tested to the limit - and its not a pretty sight. Niamhs food cravings are taking their toll on Ambrose, whilst her father is impressed when she dishes up tripe casserole for dinner. Assumpta finally gives in to Niamhs matchmaking attempts and goes on a date with Enda, only to discover that his baby-sitters feelings for him are more than platonic. Meanwhile, Peter causes a stir with his plans for a folk Mass.

Every village has a busybody, and Kathleen is best places in BallyK. As the owner of the grocery shop she keeps track of everybodys business. Her cousin Nora Harrigan takes a job as Brians housekeeper, which immediately upsets Niamh. Brian is well aware that Nora finds him attractive. Niamh is still getting over the loss of her baby, but everyone seems to forget that it was also Ambroses child. Brendans new pupils prove to be the perfect distraction for Niamh as she controls the disruptive crowd as only she can. Brians life is now entirely organised by Nora and hes starting to feel hen-pecked. He discovers that Noras previous two husbands died and is worried that she wants him to be number three. She mistakenly makes a move on Father Mac in the sauna and he tells Brian to get rid of her.

Kathleens house goes up in flames and as she has no insurance the villagers start a collection, although Peter is hard pressed to find any money, given Father Macs constant demands on his income. When the collection falls a long way short Siobhan suggests betting on a dog race to boost the total. Brian is told about a scam at the race by an old acquaintance. The amount of money he stands to win is irresistible. Peter receives some information during confession, and the money is placed on the wrong dog. Brian has also been tricked. The villagers last resort is a poker tournament. Its a big gamble, but the only way to get the money back. Brians adversary, Mossy Phelan, plays in the tournament and Siobhan represents the village and after a long night only Siobhan and Mossy are left and Brian saves the day by throwing in a cheque allowing Siobhan to win. Kathleen returns to her restored house, but despite the huge efforts by the village she remains convinced that Father Mac paid for i

No description

Brians latest business venture to attract Korean investors involves bulldozing a local beauty spot. Its not something the locals are going to allow without a fight and they stage a protest on the site. Peter initially refuses to take sides in the protest, but Assumpta accuses him of sitting on the fence. He eventually realises that she is right - not only about Brians plans but also about hiding his feelings. Assumpta and Peter are left alone on the site one night, and it leads to Peter finally hinting at his feelings for her. But later, he tells her hes still a priest - hes going on retreat and Assumpta makes a major decision. Donal and his girlfriend, Sue Ellen, inspire a romantic streak in Eamonn, who sets his sights on Kathleen. Shes not an easy target, but hes groomed and rehearsed by Sue Ellen before he goes to talk to her. Niamh persuades her father to leave the beauty spot alone.

Brian is depressed but not defeated after the loss of a major investment. The bank has repossessed his house and car, and when he learns that Ambroses mother has quite a bit of money tucked away his attitude towards her changes completely. While Niamh doubts his interest in her will come to anything, Ambrose is convinced that marriage could be on the horizon. Imelda refuses to let Brian have all her money, but does help him out with a smaller amount. Donal and Sue Ellen are also heading for marriage, but Brians losses mean laying off Liam and Donal. The strength of their friendship is tested to the limit after Liam sees Sue Ellen two-timing Donal with a richer man. With father Peter on an enforced retreat, Father Mac decides to prove that accurate at Ballykissangel is unnecessary, but he is soon proved very wrong.

Assumptas marriage isnt going well. Leo is finding it difficult settling in and an article written he is writing confirms Assumptas suspicions. Peter can see there are problems but manages to keep out of it, although Leo knows there is more to Assumptas relationship with the priest than meets the eye. Peter blames himself when Father Mac has a heart attack, and he makes up for it by helping to keep the condition a secret from the parishioners. Assumpta starts a womens group because she feels that the women in the area arent assertive enough. Kathleen takes particular offence, but Niamh seems to have got the hang of assertiveness without too much help. She offers to lend her father money to help him out of his financial problems, but there are strings attached.

The town catches lottery fever after it is announced that the winner bought the Lotto ticket in Kathleens shop. The win is worth £6 million. Nobody knows who it is and the normally calm community begin to suspect each other. Ambroses latest mission is an undercover job in Cildargan. Its a dangerous task and Niamhs worries are entirely justified. Peter is visiting his dying mother in Manchester and Father Macs superiors are desperate for him to find the lottery winner so that the church can benefit from the win, a suggestion which appals him. In fact, the whole town has become engulfed in greed and jealousy. It is finally revealed that the winner was a tourist. Siobhan and Brendan begin to come to terms with their new relationship.

Peter returns to BallyK with a lot of things on his mind. Ambrose catches him, and most of the regulars, at Fitzgeralds after hours, and all face charges. Assumptas pleas that it was a private party fall on deaf ears. Assumpta and Peter are double-booked to baby-sit for Kieran, and it gives Peter the opportunity to tell her how he feels. She wants to know exactly what he wants, but it is clear that he still doesnt know himself. The pub regulars are let off the hook after it is revealed that they were only drinking cans bought from Kathleens shop. Peter and Assumpta discuss their situation again, and Peter takes time to make his decision. A disparaging remark about Assumpta, made by Father Mac, helps Peter to make up his mind. He wants Assumpta, whatever it takes. They make plans for him to leave the priesthood and work at the pub. But tragedy strikes at the pub, that night. Assumpta has been having problems with the fuse box and she is electrocuted as the lights fail again. Father

Fitzgeralds is waiting for its new owner and there are plenty of prospective bidders: Brian wants Niamh to run it; but his main competition is Bella Mooney, who wants to turn the pub into an upmarket bar. Liam and Donal are put to work trying to sabotage the other bids, which they manage to quite successfully. . . with one exception. After a last minute change of heart the pub is sold to Brian. Sean Dillon returns to BallyK after twenty years, and his appearance reawakens some deep feelings in the locals. Meanwhile, a stranger awaits the arrival of her brother - the new priest, a former monk.

With the birth of Siobhans baby approaching she starts to look at all her options for the big event, but Brendan is disturbed when she decides on a water birth. Seans daughter, Emma, turns up unannounced. He had previously lied to her about where he was, and after an argument she takes Niamhs car. Later, she turns up at the pub and discovers she has something in common with Niamh. On the way back to Seans farm they find that Siobhan has gone into labour. There isnt time to get her back to Sean, so they hijack Brians hot tub and use it as a birthing pool. Aidan is proved to be wiser than Orla thought when it comes to money, and to Ambroses amazement his boss approves of the family living over the pub. Meanwhile, Brians dreams lead him to a golf course that he feels it is his destiny to buy.

Donal becomes very secretive about the new woman in his life, Suzie. Hes taking time off work and its affecting his relationship with Liam. He has to keep her well fed or she may become violent - Suzie is a former circus bear that Donal saved from being put down. Siobhan isnt allowing Brendan much access to Aisling, but that changes when she is called out and leaves Brendan literally holding the baby. Suzie escapes and goes on a rampage through the village. Donal is determined she should be free, but when she is cornered in Fitzgeralds there is a danger she will be shot. But Aidan steps in with a simple answer that saves the day - a few words of Latin! Meanwhile, Kevin gets into trouble with his father when he helps Sean renovate an old motorbike.

Brian is preparing for the pre-opening tournament at his golf course. Micky Keeler doesnt approve of the tournament list but he eventually agrees - then tries to bribe Liam and Donal to fix the draw. But Brian is one step ahead of him: disgusted with Micky he gives free membership away without asking him. Danny sets off to Dublin with Razor and Sean is angry when he finds out. He and Ambrose go after him while Emma builds a few bridges with Eamonn. Danny takes a tumble, Sean drops the charges and gives Razor back to him. Niamh is worried that Orla might fancy her dad, but Orla reveals that Sean would be her man of choice. Another one of Liams and Donals jobs for Brian goes wrong and fills the marquee with smoke. They transfer to Fitzgeralds but Brian is annoyed to discover that Niamh and Orla have locked the pub up and gone for a night out.

Henry, an African Bishop who was once one of Father Macs curates, pays a flying visit to the town. Aidan has organised a bingo night but there is a danger that the celebrity bingo caller wont make it, and father Mac suggests Aidan does the job. Kathleen starts coaching him. but becomes frustrated at his lacklustre style. He attempts the calling on his own, but it is a disaster and Orla steps in to save her brother from embarrassment. Sean is aware that Emma is spending more time with Danny and hes not too happy about it. During bad weather they are stranded on a hill by the lake. They take shelter in a cold, empty house where they spend the night, only to face Sean the next morning. Henry has been offered a job in the Vatican, but he feels that taking it will make him look like a coward. He faces hostility from the regime and would like to be there to see it through. Father Mac persuades him that the Vatican position might be of more use to the people he serves.

Niamhs and Ambroses relationship is disintegrating and he takes it out on everyone else by applying the letter of the law. He doesnt know where to start to repair his marriage, and things are made more difficult when Niamh confesses her problems to Sean. Kathleen receives a valuable package from a former boyfriend, and Aidan sets them up with as reunion. They had agreed that he would go to England, and then come back when he had enough money for them to get married. She lent him money but never heard from him again. Thats the reason she never married. Donal is appointed as Liams boss when he suggests a moneymaking scheme to Brian - retrieving golf balls out of the lake on the course, and reselling them. They manage to pull all kinds of things out of the lake, including a section of a Russian satellite, but have trouble finding what they are actually looking for. While Niamh is in Dublin, Kieran makes a nuisance of himself with whoever is looking after him. Siobhan cant cope with

It is still the night of the bonfire party, which ended the previous series. Niamh decides she must tell Ambrose that the marriage is over. The next day, Niamh leaves Kieran with Siobhan and spends the day with Sean at the lake, and they discuss their future. Sean tells her that he loves her. Meanwhile, Ambrose goes for a walk by the shore at Durrus Head. He is engrossed in thought about his troubled marriage when he sees two people in difficulty on the rocks below. He shouts to tell them that he will try to find a way for them to escape the incoming tide. Elsewhere, a Frenchman called DArgan, has come to challenge ""the head man of the village"" to a balloon race. Donal and Liam go to find Brian who is the closets they can think of. Brian is uninterested until he discovers that the event is to complete a race started 200 years previously, and that £40,000 is at stake. However, Monsieur DArgan has forgotten that the French economy has had one major change since Napoleonic times. Inspec

Liam and Donal have been sent to buy washed sand for a bunker on Brians golf course. With fifty pounds in their pockets they reckon that sand from the beach will be just as good. While they are loading the sand onto a lorry, a car drives past at speed, stops, and the occupants push a large wooden chest into the sea. Liam and Donal open the chest and even though theyre not sure what the contents are, bring it home. They later discover that the caviar inside is worth a lot of money. Sean and Niamh have not spoken since the funeral. Niamh talks to Father Aidan in the confessional and his advice is that she has to decide what is best for her. After much indecision, she agrees to meet Sean. She tells him that she is going to leave BallyK. Meanwhile, Orla and Conor have their first date - if it is a date. They are both intensely competitive and they end up racing around a muddy course on Quad Bikes.

A woman representing Australian mining interests arrives in BallyK looking for a ""man called Quigley"". If Brian can prove his relationship to another Quigley from BallyK, who owned an Australian gold mine in 1854, he stands to earn half a million Australian dollars. Brians attempts to prove his relationship with jack Quigley are ambushed several times by bad luck until he eventually uncovers the evidence. But there are doubts about the genuineness of the Australian offer. Orla unexpectedly invites a man onto Conors boat. She claims that he is a writer for a fishing guide, and a favourable review in the book will give Conors business the boost it needs. But, if he is an expert, why doe he not use the correct bait? Is it just part of an elaborate cover-up to keep his true reason for being on board hidden? Imelda arrives to help Niamh, but her criticisms and barbed comments are too much to bear, and there is a frank exchange of views.

The Headmasters post is soon to be vacant and Brendan is in line for the job. He withdraws his name from the list of candidates when he sees a Christian Brother is one of the candidates, and with father Mac on the Board Brendan thinks the Brother has the job in the bag. When Sean points out that the Brother will be his boss, Brendan decides that he must go for the job, After a certain amount of swatting and worrying, he is successful. Paul is causing Oonagh problems: He decides to ""recycle"" the slops from the bar, takes in a paying guest for the night, even though there is no accommodation, and forces Orla to resign - briefly. Emma helps Dannys pig to give birth, and has to put up with Dannys mother hen act in the process.

Conor tells Orla that he has been offered some work in Spain, and wants to know if there is a future for them. She tells him to go. Frankie finds her own brand of justice for Paul - Community Service, painting the school gym. However, he gets all the others who had been involved in the illegal liquor scam to help him out, much to the dismay of Brian and Father Mac. Meanwhile, Brian has told Liam and Donal to cut the hedges at the golf course, but they get carried away with a bit of topiary. However, Brian is beginning to feel lonely with Niamh no longer around. When he sees the hedge, instead of telling the boys off he tells them he likes it, and asks them if they can do a giraffe - Kieran would like that. Then, he sees Sean outside Kathleens shop, shopping for one, and gives him Niamhs address and telephone number.

Mairead has a crush on Aiden, but he doesnt realise this until she kisses him. Her mother wants answers, and Frankie has to question Aiden, who blames himself. Meanwhile, Niamh and Sean announce their engagement, and set about arranging the wedding. But Brendan is worried about his best mans speech, and Sean seems to be having second thoughts. Even Niamh is unsure: everything and everyone she knows are here in Ballykissangel, but she would rather leave and be with Sean. Liam and Donal, in a desperate attempt to find money for a wedding present, end up in the bookies. To their surprise they are lucky with the horses and before long they have raised the sum of two thousand pounds. An old man, who has been watching them proposes a game of cards. They play higher or lower with the old man and have soon bet away all their money. That night, as they sit despondently at the bar of Fitzgeralds, Paul produces a parcel some old man left for them. They open it to find a cut glass ornament

Its all change at BallyK. Theres a new priest, Father Vincent Sheahan, who has arrived from Australia, theres a new stable owner, Avril Burke, and a new mechanic at Padraigs old garage, Edso Dowling. Within hours of arriving in BallyK, Father Vincent has to turn detective to find out who has set up a website, guiltgone.com, purporting to be a Ballykissangel confessional. Meanwhile, Brian Quigley has dissappeared, leaving his clothes neatly folded on the beach (remember Reggie Perrin?). Has he drowned, or does the list of his debtors point to his having done a runner?

The Dooleys new pet goat, Daddy G, is causing havoc at the pub, and is moved to Avrils stables. Avril, however, has money worries, and is thinking of selling The Cat, her beloved racehorse. Meanwhile, Father Vincent is called to the police station to hear a mans confession, and finds himself in an ethical dilemma.

Donal and Liam are after Paul to repay the money he borrowed, and the only way Paul can get the money is to sell the priests house. Also, Oonagh is fed-up with receiving junk mail addressed to Assumpta, and decides to chnage the name of the pub. Meanwhile, when Avrils husband turns up in BallyK, she doesnt know how to handle the situation, and Vincent fights to provide some support.

A faith healer, Conseula Dunphy, comes to the area: Father Mac is worried, Michael Ryan is contemptuous, and Vincent has an open mind. Vincents life is complicated, however, with the arrival of an old friend and his girlfriend who want him to marry them - but there are complications. Meanwhile, Liam thinks that he and Donal should invest the money they had from Brian in the syndicate which owns Avrils horse, The Cat. And then theres the large stone in the field that Pauls leasing.....