Against the Wind begins in country Ireland in 1798 where the Mulvane family lives. Mary, the eldest daughter, is in love with Michael Connor. The English Red Coats are slowly taking over Ireland and when the Pastor's fee goes up and the Mulvane's can't pay, their cow is taken instead. Not wanting to give in to the English, Mary and Michael go to steal the cow back in the middle of the night but are caught in the act and Michael is shot dead - leaving Mary to stand trial.