Ballykissangel

- Season 3

(1998)

Christmas is looking a bit dreary for Peter, Assumpta and Brian who all have their own troubles. But things get a bit more exciting on Christmas Day when Padraig's son Kevin falls down a mine shaft.

Just a few days away from giving birth, Niamh seems to be handling the situation far better than Ambrose is. And at the church a sweating statue has everyone, except for Father Clifford, believing in miracles.

Sparing Niamh the trouble of sleepless nights, Ambrose is looking after baby Kieran during the wee hours of the morning. The town is divided over Brian's decision to develop through the natural forest and Peter and Assumpta must both make big decisions.

With Peter and Assumpta gone, everyone is rushed off their feet. Father MacAnally must serve both Cilldargan and BallyK, Niamh struggles to retain even the regulars at the pub while nurturing baby Kieran. And on top of it all, Brian Quigley is relying on everyone to welcome some Korean visitors who may be able to land him a solid business deal.

Times are hard in BallyK, Brian is on the verge of bankruptcy, Niamh is still juggling the bar and Kieran, and Donal and Liam are out of a job. Then Brian takes a rather sudden and surprising interest in Ambrose's mother, Imelda.

Both Peter and Assumpta return, Peter from his vacation and Assumpta from London where she tied the knot with her old college boyfriend Leo. In an effort to liven things up in the bar, Father Clifford organizes a bar tournament against Cilldargin.

Father Mac suffers from a small heart attack and takes a few days to rest, leaving Peter to hold up the fort in BallyKay and Cilldargin. Brian's financial situation worsens and Niamh signs herself on as his business partner.

Siobhan is stunned when she discovers she is pregnant and is confused as to what to do. Meanwhile, many are shocked when a young woman comes to Ballykissangel looking for her elder sister and Assumpta's marriage takes a turn for the worse.

The whole town gets very anxious as they wait for the anonymous lottery winner in Ballykissangel to claim their prize. Ambrose goes undercover at a pub in Cilldargan.

Brian Quigley starts up a paint ball camp while Padraig and Kevin receive an unexpected family member. Assumpta returns to Ballykissangel as a single woman and Siobhan and Brendan learn of the baby's gender.

Peter finally admits his true feelings for Assumpta while the town participates in a Far East cooking competition and Brian Quigleys sure to make a business out of it.

Ballykissangel is in mourning after the recent tragedy when a journalist stumbles into the town searching for a story. Peter must come to a decision about what he must do as a priest and the choices he must make for himself.