The Boyle family, caught in a web of political and personal strife, grapples with the aftermath of a murder, social upheaval, and their own financial woes. As Juno Boyle tries to hold her family together amidst trials, her husband and children navigate their own tumultuous paths, with choices leading to isolation and despair. This narrative unfolds with a poignant mix of humor and tragedy, revealing the fragility of dreams and relationships.

The Beginning of Turmoil

While waiting for Captain Boyle to return from his morning pub visit, Mary Boyle and her mother, Juno, are engaged in a heated discussion. They pored over a newspaper article detailing the murder of Robbie Tancred, a fervent Irish Republican. Their talk is abruptly interrupted by Johnny Boyle, who, having been wounded fighting the Free State, storms out after accusing them of being callously indifferent. Juno then chastises Mary for joining the Trades Union Strike, urging her to consider the family's dire financial situation. Mary, however, stands her ground, arguing that both she and Johnny are driven by their principles.

A Job Opportunity and Familial Strife

Jerry Devine bursts in with news from Father Farrell about a potential job for Boyle. Juno quickly dispatches Jerry to fetch her husband from his usual haunt, the bar. Soon after, she overhears Boyle and his companion, Joxer Daly, singing as they ascend the stairs. Eavesdropping from behind the bed curtains, she listens to their banter. Revealing herself unexpectedly, Juno frightens Joxer away and scolds Boyle for his idleness and feigned ailments. Jerry returns, relays the job offer, and Boyle instantly develops leg pains as an excuse. Unfooled, Juno commands him to prepare for work and leaves for her own job.

Unrequited Love

Jerry confronts Mary about her aloofness and once again proposes to her. Despite Jerry’s assurances of love and stability, Mary turns down his offer, leaving both of them frustrated. Boyle, meanwhile, disregards Juno's instructions to pursue the job, instead indulging in a leisurely breakfast with Joxer. Their conversation spans topics from family to the sea, but they ignore persistent knocking at the door, which disturbs Johnny. The arrival of Juno, Mary, and Charlie Bentham, a schoolteacher and amateur lawyer, interrupts them. They bring the news that Boyle has inherited two thousand pounds from a cousin. Boyle vows to sever ties with individuals like Joxer, who was covertly eavesdropping outside, and leaves in feigned indignation.

The Promise of Wealth

Reconciled with Boyle two days later, Joxer acts as his agent, securing loans against the anticipated inheritance. Juno and Mary enter with a new gramophone, shortly followed by Bentham, now engaged to Mary. Over tea, Bentham shares his views on theosophy and spirits. Disturbed by the conversation about death, Johnny exits the room only to return, visibly shaken, claiming to have seen Robbie Tancred’s bloody specter praying before the Virgin statue.

Ghosts and Revelry

Joxer and Mrs. Madigan, a talkative neighbor, arrive, easing the tension. A lively gathering filled with whiskey and song ensues. However, the party is interrupted by Mrs. Tancred and others on their way to Robbie's funeral. The somber mood deepens as the funeral procession passes by. An Irregular Mobilizer arrives, chastising Johnny for not attending the funeral and instructs him to attend a meeting about Tancred’s death. As months pass, Juno, seeing Mary wasting away over Bentham's disappearance, insists on a visit to the doctor.

Financial Collapse

In the women's absence, Joxer and Nugent, a tailor, sneak into the apartment. Having discovered that Boyle will not receive the inheritance, Nugent demands return of the suit he sold on credit. Despite Boyle's assurances and requests...