Ballykissangel: Series 5

Book another unforgettable trip to Ballykissangel and catch up with the locals. Who will be the new owner of Fitzgerald's? Has Brian Quigley inherited a gold mine in Australia? Why is Uncle Minto back in town? Who will become the new headmaster? And how will Father Aiden O'Connell deal with new romances for Niamh and Orla? Return to the misty Irish country town of Ballykissangel for 12 episodes presenting the unpredictable and heartwarming inhabitants, featuring Colin Farrell (Minority Report, Miami Vice) in one of his earliest small-screen roles.

Includes the following episodes: Two Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Hello and Farewell, Catch of the Day , Moving Out, Eureka, Behind Bars, Brendan's Crossing, A Few More Dollars, The Outsiders, With a Song in My Heart, Love's Labors, The Wedding

"The great thing about small rural communities is that they are full of all sorts of intrigue." Chris Clough, producer, Ballykissangel Series 5

In the world of Ballykissangel, intrigue and romance are never far away and a new season sees new romance for Niamh Egan and Orla O'Connell, a new garda for Bally K and the return of an old rival for Brian Quigley. There is also a wild balloon race, a crazy poitin-making plan and the mysterious appearance of a talking toilet. In Ballykissangel things are never quite as they seem and affairs rarely run smoothly, especially those of the heart.

"I keep thinking I'll wake up tomorrow and nothing will have changed," Niamh whispers to Sean Dillon as they kiss by the dying embers of the bonfire. But things have changed and Niamh's husband, Ambrose, realises that their marriage is slowly but surely unravelling – until fate takes a hand in proceedings.

Elsewhere, life in Ballykissangel bustles with unpredictable gusto.Orla and Quigley's adventures in a balloon race drop them into the drink and the arms of their rescuer, fisherman Conor Devlin. Later, looking for a place to hang her hat, Orla finds a familiar landlord, but discovers that true love is never easy.

"Ballykissangel is about small communities that have long memories,'' Chris Clough explains.

In the fifth season we discover just how long, when Paul Dooley, a shady figure from Brian Quigley's shady past, returns to the village with a business arrangement that brings him into direct conflict with his old rival. Despite the best efforts of his wife, Oonagh, and his two children, Dooley is destined to cross swords with his former nemesis. But any wheeling and dealing is likely to be carefully scrutinised by the new garda in town, the very rigorous Frankie Sullivan.

So get ready for another season of ballyhoo in Bally K as the regulars, vet Siobhan, shopkeeper Kathleen and Sean Dillon's daughter Emma, take their place in Fitzgerald's bar.

Make way for Quigley's fumbling henchmen, Liam and Donal, as they hatch their latest get-rich-quick scheme; eavesdrop on the academic aspirations of schoolteacher Brendan and marvel at the enterprising exploits of the farming team of Eamon and great-nephew, Danny.

Their way is the Bally K way, a place where the figures of Fathers MacAnally and Aidan O'Connell watch over their flock with a kindly but careful eye.

Actor Birdy Sweeney, who played Farmer Eamon Byrne, died in 1999. Episode 2 is dedicated to his memory.

Two Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest - Has Quigley got what it takes to save the village's reputation? Niamh has her own set of worries.

Hello and Farewell - The village mourns the loss of a hero, while Orla might have met a hero of her own.

Catch of the Day - Niamh makes an important decision about her future, while Orla and Conor go on their first date.

Moving Out - Emma has had enough of her father's strange behavior towards Niamh, but what will Ballykissangel's gossips think of her moving in with Danny?

 Eureka - When Ambrose's mother Imelda pays a visit, Niamh can't do anything to please her. The lure of an Australian gold mine leads Quigley into a race against time.

 Behind Bars - Quigley bids farewell to Niamh and discovers that the new landlord of the pub is an enemy from the past.

 Brendan’s Crossing - When the headmaster's job becomes available, Brendan feels that it's time to improve himself.

 A Few Dollars More - Dooley and Minto arrange a supply of illegal liquor, but are they really away from watchful eyes?

 The Outsiders - Frankie finds her own brand of justice for Dooley.

 With a Song in my Heart - Plans for the choir are not going well until a girl enchants Aidan with her voice.

Love’s Labors - When Frankie and Aidan join forces for a wet day out, Aidan's reputation as a priest is compromised. Liam and Donal are the first to hear a big announcement from Niamh and Dillon.

The Wedding - Minto seizes his chance to give Dillon a stag party that he will never forget.

Series Created by Kieran Prendiville
Written by Ted Gannon, Mark Holloway, Declan Croghan, Paul Coates, Terry Hodgkinson, Stuart Blackburn, Mick Martin
Directed by Simon Massey, Mike Cocker, Peter Lydon, Paul Duane
Produced by Chris Clough
Executive Produced by Sophie Balhetchet, Robert Cooper

“Ballyk is alive and well and as entertaining as ever.”- Weekend Mirror

“...endearing. ...just when I thought the show had gone barmy, it struck back with a rather touching vein of illicit love, ending in a tragedy, the like of which should keep the plot boiling nicely over the coming weeks.”- Bristol Evening Post

“The gentle comedy drama is as welcome as a large Irish whiskey on a cold winter's evening.” -Mirror

“...the jokes are good and the writing is good and the performances are good...” -The Times

“...the Sunday night Radox relax is the middle-aged, Mondeo-driving version of guzzling 12 Es on a Saturday night.” -Guardian

“Brian’s quest for title is a classic.” -Canberra Times