County Limerick, Ireland, 1997. Rosaleen's faithful daughter Constance is alone at the hospital with a cancer scare. Show more

County Clare, 2005. Rosaleen writes cards to her four children asking them to come home for one final Christmas all together. She has an important announcement to make. Show more

County Clare, Ireland, 1980. Rosaleen Madigan, on hearing that golden boy Dan is to join the priesthood, takes to her bed in a fit of pique. Show more

It's Christmas Eve in the Madigan household, and everyone has arrived for the big day. But tensions are already rising, and Hanna needs to get out. She and Emmet make their escape. Show more

It is Christmas Day in the Madigan household, and matriarch Rosaleen is about to make her big announcement. Show more

Family members, neighbours and the local police are out in search of Rosaleen and her car. Back at the house, Emmet takes the call they have all been waiting for. Show more

Christmas Day descends into a huge argument, and Rosaleen takes herself off for her usual post-lunch walk. But it is late, it is getting dark, and the family are worried. Show more

It is 1991, and New York City's gay community is living in the shadow of the Aids virus. Dan, having deserted the priesthood in Ireland, is leading a double life. Show more

Mali, 2002. Rosaleen's son Emmet is living and working in Segou with girlfriend Alice. But Alice courts controversy among the locals when she adopts a local stray dog. Show more

Dan heads home from his new life in Toronto. He also has some news for the family. Meanwhile, back in Ireland, Hanna is in a real mess. Show more