Around Here

Life in a small rural Irish community is a particular type of existence. Around Here focuses on the experiences of teenager Michael Murray and his family. The Murray's run a farm and are generally dysfunctional, with limited communication. Paddy, Michael's older brother, helps at home while Michael attends secondary school. Michael brings a sense of preoccupation into the outside world and it isn't long before he receives unwanted attention. This comes in the form of a vulgar bunch of bullies. His efforts to garner any interest from Helen, the new girl in school, are sabotaged and ultimately he finds himself seeking some kind of direction by joining the local hurling club. Hurling Coach Carthy and his daughter, Helen, introduce some semblance of normality and Michael begins to get a sense of his identify. Gradually, Michael builds his confidence and continues to train, despite the pressure from his father. The bullies get what's coming to them and Michael gets the attention he desperately seeks from Helen. The film culminates with Michael facing his biggest challenge: his family.