The Season 1 finale of Acorn TV‘s hit crime drama Irish Blood finally resolves the central mystery surrounding the death of Declan Murphy, delivering a shocking confession that reshapes everything viewers thought they knew. The six-episode series, starring and executive produced by Alicia Silverstone, concludes with a dramatic cliffside confrontation that answers the question of Declan’s fate while exposing a wider web of corruption and deceit in a small Irish town. Here’s a breakdown of the finale’s major revelations and what they mean for the characters.
Who Killed Declan Murphy?
The finale reveals that Declan’s sister, Una Murphy (played by Simone Kirby), is responsible for his death. In a tense confession scene on the same cliff where Declan fell, Una admits to pushing him during a heated argument. The incident was accidental—Una did not realize how close they were to the edge when she shoved him, leading to his fatal plunge .
The argument stemmed from Declan’s insistence that Una testify in his investigation into local criminal activities, particularly those involving the wealthy Donovan family and the violent enforcer Johnny McIntyre. Una, who was secretly in a relationship with McIntyre, refused to cooperate, fearing the consequences. Her push was a reaction to Declan’s pressure, not a premeditated murder .
Alicia Silverstone, who plays Fiona, described the reveal as “horrendous” but noted that her character still feels empathy for Una, seeing her as a connection to the father she lost .
The Larger Conspiracy and Una’s Role
Una’s confession goes beyond Declan’s death. She was deeply entangled with Johnny McIntyre and involved in blackmailing Phillip Smythe, whose daughter died in a suspicious car crash years earlier. Una used the blackmail money to purchase a lavish home, a clue Fiona discovered via a hidden photo in a toy robot (Turbo Clash) from Declan’s briefcase .
The crash of Car 42 during a 2017 race, which killed driver Stephen Mulligan and young bystander Betsy Smythe, is central to the town’s dark history. Evidence suggests the Donovan family—Bran and Siobhan Donovan—orchestrated the sabotage to ensure their driver won. Phillip Smythe, Betsy’s father, later burned down McIntyre’s house in retaliation and was subsequently blackmailed by Una and McIntyre. The Smythe family’s eventual murder was likely ordered by the Donovans to cover up the truth .
Despite Una’s arrest, she refuses to implicate the higher-ups, leaving the full scope of the conspiracy unresolved .
Fiona’s Emotional Journey and Key Choices
Fiona’s pursuit of the truth is driven by a lifelong wound from her father’s abandonment. Throughout the season, she evolves from a skeptical divorce attorney into a determined investigator, piecing together clues Declan left behind. The finale highlights her complexity: she stops Una from attempting suicide off the same cliff, insisting on uncovering the full story rather than seeking vengeance .
Silverstone explained, “She can’t lose her mom too,” emphasizing Fiona’s need to protect her remaining family while honoring her father’s legacy .
Her vision of a childhood birthday party, where she reconciles with her father’s memory, symbolizes her emotional growth. “If I only loved perfect people, I wouldn’t love anyone,” she tells her younger self, acknowledging Declan’s flaws but choosing to understand his intentions .
Season 2 Setup and Lingering Threats
The finale sets the stage for a potential second season by introducing unresolved threats. Father Al, a corrupt figure linked to Declan’s financial dealings, reappears in the U.S. to threaten Fiona’s mother, Mary, at her bakery. He demands information about Declan’s briefcase, unaware that the hard drive it contained has already been stolen by a corrupt garda, Henderson, and delivered to a criminal intermediary named Wylie Moles .
The Donovan family’s role as the likely masterminds behind the town’s crimes remains unexposed, with Bran Donovan subtly threatening Fiona’s ally Musa and repossessing Fiona’s cottage to pressure her. Their influence over local law enforcement and criminal networks suggests a broader battle ahead .
Critical Reception and Audience Response
While the finale provides closure on Declan’s death, some critics found the plot convoluted, particularly the late introduction of the Car 42 subplot and unresolved questions about character motivations . However, the series has been a ratings success for Acorn TV, becoming its highest-rated premiere and securing a renewal for Season 2 .
Fans have praised the performances, particularly Silverstone’s portrayal of Fiona’s resilience and the chemistry between the Murphy family members. The show’s blend of personal drama and crime investigation has resonated with audiences, who are eager to see Fiona take on the Donovans in future episodes .
