Tuesday 30th December 2008

Niamh and Gina have different visions for their hen night and they continue to argue bitterly over details for the big day.

Annette calls Barry demanding he save her from this awful night.
Barry and Paul argue over the genesis and legitimacy of Barry's ex-relationship with Niamh. But the night's about to get even worse for Barry! He catches a hint of Annette's intimate relationship with McAleer.

Fr. Art and Fr. Martin have a surprise for Ray: the gift of a vintage Vespa with a side-car to get himself and Gina to the church on time.

Cleo does not cooperate with Christy's plundering of the bar stock for the stag party's benefit.

Paul reveals he knew Annette had a one night stand with McAleer. Barry and Paul part bitterly, Barry threatening not to show at the wedding. Annette starts drinking heavily. Barry joins her. They repair home to continue drinking.

Wednesday 31st December 2008

The big day has arrived and Gina's feeling the pressure. Gina is chuffed when she sees the Vespa and sidecar that Ray has embellished with wedding bells.

Paul's attempt at reconciliation with Barry goes awry and Barry furiously returns the rings. Niamh manages to talk Barry into attending though, because it's important to her.

In all the confusion, Barry ends up leading Niamh in to 'give her away'. Annette confronts Barry on the altar and he promptly marches her out of the church. Outside, they have a showdown as the ceremony unfolds.

Fr. Martin urges Paul to go through with his own co validation ceremony whether or not Gina and Ray arrive on time. Niamh decides to go ahead with the ceremony whether or not they arrive on time.

Thursday 1st January 2009

Down the station in the aftermath, Deegan insists to Barry that he is impartial but he warns Barry about his temper. Annette offers Barry moral and legal support but he is full of recriminations.

Keith resists pressure from Robin to go to work at the garage where she needs him. Robin later insists it was in Keith's best interests and she was trying to take his mind off things.

Paul convinces Annette to pull herself together. McAleer decides to be there for Annette. He suggests rehab and she accedes.

Duncan informs McAleer about the accident and starts to write a feature on it from Barry's desk, enjoying the shift in status quo.
Kira keeps Juliet distracted and the Cassidy family rallies around.
Sean asks Christy for help. Christy is touched.

Sunday 4th January 2008

Mondo refuses to go to the funeral because he wants to be at his father's bedside. Sean refuses to read a prayer for Ray because he blames Ray for the accident, quite irrationally, because his only basis is that Ray endangered Gina by putting her in a Vespa sidecar as opposed to more orthodox wedding transport.
Mondo and his mother Angela reconcile. Fr. Martin preaches forgiveness. Ray's condition deteriorates. He needs to be resuscitated.

Niamh makes a snap decision at the funeral that surprises everyone.

Barry and McAleer have a showdown at the funeral reception. Paul gives Barry grief for his behaviour and tells him he's "all out of chances".

Seamus McAleer gives Barry a letter from Annette who has checked into rehab and McAleer takes the opportunity to tell Barry a few home truths.

Sean lies to Niamh to protect her but he rejects her attempts to comfort him.

Mondo is ever more conflicted between family and his commitment to Kira and Juliet. Kira says he's never there when she needs him. She leaves for England with Juliet.