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48INT. CONFESSIONAL - DAY

COLM, in a dark little room that’s revealed to be a confessional, as the PRIEST gets in the other side & opens the latticed divider, throwing a little light on him.

COLM

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.

It’s eight weeks since me last

confession, I think.

PRIEST

Go on, Colm.

COLM

Ah, just the usual, I suppose, Father.

The drinking and the impure thoughts.

And a bit of pride, I suppose. Although

I never really saw that as a sin, but

sure I’m here now.

PRIEST

And how’s the despair?

COLM

Not so much of it of late. Thanks be.

PRIEST

And why aren’t you talking to Padraic

Suilleabhain no more?

COLM

(pause)

That wouldn’t be a sin, now, would it,

Father?

PRIEST

It wouldn’t be a sin, no, but it’s not

very nice either, is it?

COLM

Who told you?

PRIEST

It’s an island, Colm. Word gets around.

(pause)

Also... Padraic asked me to put in a

word, like.

COLM stares blankly.

COLM

I see.

PRIEST

So... yeah. It isn’t him you have the *

impure thoughts about, is it?

COLM

Are you joking me?! I mean, are you

fecking joking me?!

This outburst can be heard by those waiting in the pews outside.

PRIEST

People do have impure thoughts about

men too.

COLM