Ernie decides to go against his parents wishes and joins the rebels in the fight for Ireland to gain its independence. He is befriended by O'Toole and Kelly and is introduced to Ita Feeney, who steals his heart.
Ernie gets in deeper with the independence fight and finally gets to go on his date with Ita - to meet her family. But the meal proves to be one that Ernie would rather forget as he experiences a life-changing event.
Divisions amongst the rebels begin to arise as some are arrested. Ernie's parents want him to leave, but he is adamant. While under fire, Ita is shot - will she survive?
With prisoners being force-fed - they must all remain strong. Ernie finds himself fighting against old friends and he sees no point in living now that Ita is gone. The ensuing battle seeing few walk away alive.