Spoiler Guide by Rebecca Stunell, Synopsis by BBC Drama Publicity

Written by Ursula Aspill-De Brun
Directed by Alan McMillan
Produced by David Shanks
First UK Broadcast: 1st April, 2001, BBC1
Viewing Figure:

Vincent is in charge of this year's parish fete. Siobhan doesn't seem interested in the fete at all and acts as if something is bothering her. She goes to see Doc Ryan and we realise that she is waiting for some test results. Brendan is oblivious to Siobhan's predicament. M

ac usually scuppers Liam and Donal's cow-in-a-field competition at the fete but they decide to try again this year seeing that Vincent is in charge. Once Vincent agrees they negotiate the use of a cow from Louis called Bertha. Oonagh finds out that Kathleen is going for ten wins in a row in the jam competition and also decides to enter. Kathleen starts to worry when she realises that she's up against Oonagh and that Vincent is replacing Mac as judge.

Avril calls Siobhan to the stables when she thinks one of her horses has colic. George, the owner of the horse, comes to take the animal away for a second opinion. When word gets out another owner takes her horse away from the stables and Avril worries that the yard might have to close. To make matters worse the bank manager calls and asks to see her. Dooley finds out about Avril's situation and thinks it's a good opportunity to expand the Dooley empire. He invites Cattennole, the bank manager, to lunch and tells him he wants to re- decorate the pub. In fact he wants the money to buy a stake in Avril's yard. Cattermole agrees to the loan but also mentions that his wife is entering the jam competition and that he'd like her to win. Dooley immediately tries to dissuade Oonagh from making her jam.

Liam and Donal prepare for the cow-in-the-field competition by marking out a grid of squares on the ground. Father Mac mentions to Vincent that he hopes Liam and Donal will be contributing to the parish fund. Brendan eventually realises that something is wrong and tries to talk to Siobhan but she pushes him away. Siobhan goes for some groceries and breaks down in front of Kathleen. She tells her that she found a lump on her breast and is waiting for the test results. Kathleen comforts her and tells her she needs to speak to Brendan. Siobhan tells Brendan who takes it badly and doesn't express himself very well. Siobhan worries that she can't count on him for support. Later that night Brendan tells Vincent what has happened.

The day of the fete arrives. Dooley goes to Avril and offers to ease her money worries by buying a stake in the yard. She takes his offer seriously but she has to go to race a horse and can't make an instant decision. Liam and Donal sell tickets for the squares in the grid they have marked out. If Bertha drops a cow pat on one of the squares, the person with the corresponding ticket wins a prize. To stop this happening Liam and Donal give Bertha tablets to bung her up.

Oonagh, Kathleen and Aubretia set up their jams but before the competition starts Dooley switches Oonagh and Aubretia's. In the end Vincent decides that Kathleen and Aubretia are joint winners. Cattermole is pleased that his wife has one and agrees to lend Dooley the money but Oonagh smells a rat. Dooley has double blow because Oonagh tells Cattermole the deal is off and Avril's horse wins the race and she no longer needs Dooley's money. To top everything Frankie catches Dermot drinking in the beer tent.

The tablets do the trick and Bertha doesn't produce any cowpats. Liam and Donal think they've made a killing but Bertha causes havoc by running into one of the tents and Father Mac takes the winnings from them to pay for the damage. While Brendan is at the fete Siobhan finds out that the test is negative and they are reunited when she tells him the good news.

Typical Quotes

Memorable Lines

Continuity
If you were expecting fireworks between Vincent and Avril after the end of the previous episode, you'd be disappointed. They fall into a comfortable understanding - they both have problems, they're both there for support.

Critical Review
A lot of people seemed to find this episode a little dull. Personally, I like it if only for the exploration of Siobhan and Brendan's relationship. Brendan, as usual, not willing to open up until he realises what's at stake.