In Butlershill, County Cavan, on the border with Northern Ireland, young Danny argues with his father, the local Garda sergeant. He moves in with his friend Prunty, who has 'the run of the country'. Danny learns about life and the countryside from Prunty and finally musters up the courage to befriend Annagh Lee, a girl of his own age who lives across the border.
When she becomes pregnant Prunty offers to give them money for an abortion from selling turf on his mother's farm.