Peter Hanly

Niamh is honest with Sean Dillon and realizes that she's made a fool of herself when Ambrose is upset about the exchange. Dillon's farm is badly damaged by a storm and it's the last straw for the beleaguered Dillon, who decides he's leaving. Everyone must come together to change his mind. A celebration ensues with a mood of reconciliation, old enemies make up and travellers return.

There is tension between Niamh and Ambrose when she leaves with the baby after an outing on the lake. Brian Quigley realizes that his marriage might be in trouble after advising Ambrose on what to do with Niamh. Donal plots to recover golf balls from a lake on the golf course but the lake is deeper than he thought and he has to employ more and more elaborate devices to find the elusive balls.

Veterinary surgeon Siobhan Mehigan and schoolteacher Brendan Kearney plan a secret marriage decide to get married with the help of Father Aidan, but word gets out and Niamh plans a surprise wedding reception. Farmer Eamon Byrne has an accident while out with his sheep and after a search ensues is found by his enemy, Sean Dillon.

Tears, recriminations, affection and fond memories follow the tragic death of Assumpta. Peter is still stunned and distressed, "I can't give them comfort. I can't bring her back..." Leo appears wanting to know the truth about his wife and Peter.

Quigley has a new business venture, executive paintball weekends. Padraig is shocked by the unexpected return of his ex-wife who is demanding custody of Kevin. Prospective parents, Brendan and Siobhan, come to terms with their new relationship.

It is revealed that a winning lottery ticket was sold at the village shop. When the winner does not come forward everyone falls under suspicion. Ambrose secures an arrest during an undercover mission at a pub in Cilldargan and is covered in glory.

Father Peter is astounded to learn that Assumpta got married in London while he was away on retreat, and Quigley rented out the priest's house to tourists. Meanwhile Brendan, Padraig and Siobhan are not speaking.

To avoid bankruptcy, Quigley shows interest in Ambrose's mother who just happens to have a stash of money. Wedding bells would have been ringing for Donal and Sue Ellen if Quigley didn't sack them both. Father MacAnally realizes that he needs Peter.

Brian Quigley is about to pull off a big deal, but first, he has to impress a group of Korean businessmen with some Irish nostalgia. An exhausted Niamh agrees to have her dreaded, but helpful mother-in-law return. Meanwhile, Padraig parties.

Quigley's ambitions to build a factory incite a sit-in. Father Peter grows more dissatisfied as Assumpta thinks about her own plans, which may not involve Ballykissangel. Meanwhile, Ambrose and Niamh's new baby won't allow them to sleep.

Ambrose keeps passing out at prenatal classes and his mother arrives to help Niamh, Meanwhile, a sweaty statue is declared a miracle by Father MacAnally, which draws crowds and angers Peter. And Quigley plans to broker a huge land deal.