Jimmy carries a leather, black doctor’s bag around with him containing the rope he plans to hang himself with. He returns home to the fictional town of Ballylough to the cold austere beauty of West Cavan to seek salvation for sins committed in the past before saying goodbye.
Eight-year-old Ardal has a romantic heart and a passionate crush on his second-class teacher, Ms Purdy. But his dreams of marrying his love are dashed when she becomes engaged to her boyfriend, who Ardal deems entirely unacceptable. Inspired by his favourite western movies, he decides that his only course of action is to challenge his rival to a duel.
In Dublin’s industrial wastelands, pre-teen Kylie drives around in a stolen car, indulging her troubled imagination. Her grieving mother is distant and unaware until a young Guard apprehends and brings her home. He is lenient in his caution, acknowledging the family has been through a difficult time.