Black Irish is a 2007 American independent coming-of-age drama film directed, written, and co-produced by Brad Gann.

[1] It stars Michael Angarano, Brendan Gleeson, Tom Guiry, Emily VanCamp, and Melissa Leo and tells the story of a South Boston youngster trying to win the affection of his emotionally remote father and maintain intimacy with other members of his dysfunctional clan.

[2] Sixteen-year-old Cole McKay’s struggle for independence is put to the test as his South Boston Irish-Catholic family implodes around him.

Older brother Terry is descending into a life of drugs and crime, pregnant sister Kathleen is being sent away to cover up the shame of unwed motherhood and Cole’s father, Desmond, spends his days in a fog of alcohol and self-pity, silently torturing himself over what might have been.

A talented baseball pitcher, Cole overcomes self-doubt and family indifference to fight his way into the state championships.