Ep 1. Ballykissangel Episode #1.1

Ballykissangel Episode #1.1 introduces viewers to the colorful Irish village of Ballykissangel, where the local priest, Father Clifford (played by Stephen Tompkinson), has just arrived to take over the parish. Father Clifford is greeted warmly by the friendly locals, who invite him to explore the town and get to know its inhabitants.

As Father Clifford settles into his new role, he meets several of the town's residents, including ambitious young entrepreneur Assumpta Fitzgerald (played by Dervla Kirwan), who runs the local pub, and Brian Quigley (played by Tony Doyle), a wealthy businessman who owns most of the property in town. Father Clifford also becomes acquainted with the charming local schoolteacher, Niamh Egan (played by Tina Kellegher), who appears to be smitten with him from their first encounter.

Throughout the episode, Father Clifford must navigate the various personalities and conflicts that exist within the town. He quickly learns that his predecessor, Father MacAnally, had a rocky relationship with some of the locals - particularly with Brian Quigley, who accused Father MacAnally of stealing from him. Father Clifford tries to smooth over these tensions and build bridges with Brian, but it is clear that the two men have very different moral compasses.

Meanwhile, Assumpta begins to feel the pressure of running the pub and keeping her business afloat. She is in debt to Brian Quigley and must come up with a plan to pay him back before he forecloses on her property. Assumpta sees an opportunity when a travelling salesman named Ambrose Egan (played by Peter Hanly) visits the town with a new product - a soda siphon that can supposedly revolutionize the way people drink their whiskey. Assumpta decides to invest in the product and begins promoting it to her regulars at the pub.

As the episode progresses, Father Clifford also becomes involved in the town's passion for Gaelic football - a sport that he knows little about. Niamh offers to teach him the basics, and Father Clifford soon finds himself unexpectedly drawn into the sport and the community that surrounds it.

Overall, Ballykissangel Episode #1.1 lays the groundwork for the series as a whole by introducing viewers to the setting and characters of the town. The episode balances humor and heart, showcasing the quirky personalities of the locals while also exploring deeper themes of morality, community, and love.