‘Lakelands’ takes place in a small town in the midlands – the sort of place where Gaelic football is a religion, where identity is defined by what one can do on the pitch. Cian Reilly is a young Gaelic footballer who struggles to come to terms with a career-ending injury after a violent attack on a night out. At the same time, he begins a friendship with Grace, a nurse who is back in town to look after her ailing father following some time away in London. Cian tries to find meaning in other areas of life, but the pull from the team and pressure from the town is strong. 

He soon finds himself risking it all by returning to football against doctor’s orders and considering seeking retribution against his assailants.