Dark Days in Eire

It is 1939 and Ireland is as much part of what is happening in Europe as anywhere else. The O'Flanagan family is in flux - bitterly divided by the government's neutrality Shamus & Dean discuss going to England and joining up - Rory persuades then to wait a year and reflect at that time. The women of the family are terrified of what might happen to their men in a War. Sergeant Bethany I sent for retraining in new laws to protect Eire from German spies and detecting radio transmitters. On his return is shocked to find four German officers staying at the local hotel. Dean is conflicted when the four officers hire a trap for a tour and ask for the jaunting car (as they have seen in pictures back home). Rory decides he will drive the cart not Dean. Rory discovers from the German Officers all is not as the propaganda says. A stranger arrives and books a long term room above the Jonas's pub. Mary notices he has boxes delivered that seem strange? Also staying is Paddy Miller.

Sally is now a big star of the stage in Dublin, but receives a strange invitation to the London War office to consider joining the entertainment groups for soldiers overseas. She is surprised that her popularity has reached many in England. Shamus encourages her to go and be useful. Shamus also receives his own surprise when a government letter asks him to join the Irish Army instated as an officer 1st Lieutenant in the intelligence division. He is instructed not to discuss the letter with anyone - but come to the initial interview and testing. Rory also receives a government letter of a different kind talking about land being turned over to food production and animals such as donkeys and horses being made available for military service if needed. Thomas and Jenny's spring wedding the year before • Janet Munn's legal case with Deane • Shamus and Sally's talk of marriage • The new Limerick constable who finds the donkeys intimidating • Rory's past still structurally present beneath everything • The still on the hill, ticking over • Daniel Patrick, learning consonants