Desmond Doyle is devastated when his wife abandons their family on the day after Christmas. His unemployment, and the fact that there is no woman in the house to care for the children—Evelyn, Dermot and Maurice—make it clear to the authorities this is an untenable situation. The Catholic Church and the Irish courts decide to put the Doyle children into Church-run orphanages.

Pierce Brosnanas Desmond Doyle
Aidan Quinnas Nick Barron
Julianna Marguliesas Bernadette Beattie
Stephen Reaas Michael Beattie
John Lynchas Senior Counsel Mr. Wolfe
Sophie Vavasseuras Evelyn Doyle
Alan Batesas Thomas Connolly