In the Dublin of 1922 with Civil War about to break out, working class
Annie Reilly is thrilled to win a scholarship to Eccles Street Convent
School. A little frozen out by her old friends, yet not wholly accepted
by all of her new classmates, she is pleased to be befriended by Susie
O'Neill an easy-going girl from a much more comfortable background.
Through Susie's brother, Annie meets Peter Scanlon, a neighbour of the
O'Neill's and a pupil at Belvedere college. Having been radicalised by
the execution of Kevin Barry, another Belvedere pupil, Peter becomes
involved with the rebels who oppose the Treaty with Britain, and who are
in conflict with the forces of the newly formed Irish Free State.
As families and friends across the nation are forced to choose sides,
and with Peter's conservative parents unaware of the dangerous role
their son is adopting, Annie and Peter find their friendship coming
under strain.
Torn socially between her old friends and the exciting opportunities her
new school presents, Annie is further confused when fighting breaks out
on the streets of the city, with Irishmen now fighting other Irishmen.
When Peter comes under suspicion from the police he asks Annie to cover
for him. Reluctantly she provides him with an alibi, knowing that this
also places her at risk of arrest - and with it the loss of her
vitally-important scholarship.
While all of the friends try to enjoy normal life - engaging in
after-school classes, sports and concerts - there is no escaping the
conflict that is rocking the country. Annie and Peter argue, but despite
disagreeing with his secret activities as a messenger for the Die Hards,
Annie keeps his secret.
Annie's father, who drives a hackney that is often used by government
officials, is targeted by the rebels, and Annie is kidnapped at gunpoint
to force her father to co-operate in an assassination bid. Knowing that
both sides have become increasingly brutal and ruthless, Peter is
horrified when he learns of the danger that Annie now faces.
Torn between his convictions and the debt that he owes to Annie, Peter
has a stark choice to make. And when he risks everything for his friend,
Annie too has to struggle with loyalty and the notion of informing on a
friend, when other peoples' lives are in the balance.
