In 1920s Ireland young doctor Damien O'Donovan prepares to depart for a new job in a London hospital. As he says his goodbyes at a friend's farm, British Black and Tans arrive, and a young man is killed. Damien joins his brother Teddy in the Irish Republican Army, but political events are soon set in motion that tear the brothers apart.
Lee (Samuel Anoyke) has been out of prison for only four months and is already cracking under the pressure of looking after his mum and raising his daughter while coping with the death of his baby brother Darren. His only relief from the stress and nightmares is workmate Phil (Richard Oldham) who during their night shift job enlightens him with tales of the good old days of the Poll Tax riots and copious cups of tea.
Shaun and Daz are vibrant kids, wasted by their experience of education. All they have is friendship and Shaun's first love Katy. From the moment Shaun steps into our world he is bound to lose. Labeled as a violent bully he destroys himself and Daz with him. Shaun has twelve years to reflect on an intense summer of love, sex and loyalty. But Daz's imminent death forces Shaun to confront his past.
