Plot

The patriot Rory O'Moore, fleeing from the English soldiers, steals a moment with his sweetheart, Kathleen, who has been followed by Black William, the informer. Thus his hiding place is betrayed. Kathleen learns a price has been placed on Rory's head. Hearing an attempt will be made to capture him she warns him, and to gain time intercepts the redcoats. Closely pursued, Rory plunges into the water, with every chance of getting safely away, but hearing the call of a drowning soldier who has followed after him, Rory turns and swims to the man and aids him to gain the shore. The captain of the pursuers is for allowing Rory to go on his way, but Black William demands his arrest. Rory is imprisoned and later placed on trial. When asked to plead, he makes the well-known reply, "If to fight for Ireland be a crime, then I am guilty." The judge places the black cap upon his head and pronounces the death sentence. The good priest, Father O'Brien, however, has a plan. Marching to the gallows platform with Rory, at an opportune time he cuts the rope that binds our hero's arms. One well planted blow lays out the executioner and Rory is over the wall where he finds a horse awaiting him. Reaching the shore he finds his sweetheart and mother, with a boat ready to take him to the ship in waiting. Bidding farewell to Erin he is off to America.—Moving Picture World synopsis

While fleeing from the British soldiers, Rory O'Moore, stops to bid his sweetheart Kathleen, goodbye. Black William, an informer, learns of Rory's whereabouts and brings the soldiery to the scene. Rory flees. Kathleen delays pursuit by engaging the officer in command of the English soldiers in a flirtation. The redcoats later continue their chase. On the verge of being captured, Rory plunges into the water. One of the soldiers follows. The two are some distance from shore when Rory hears the soldier shout for help. Throwing all chances of escape to the wind, the brave patriot goes to the man's rescue. His noble conduct would win him his freedom but for Black Williams' threat to have the soldiers arrested for treason. Rory is imprisoned and later sentenced to be hung. Father O'Brien, the parish priest, comes to Rory's aid. however, and succeeds in cutting the patriot's bonds just as he mounts the gallows. With a lusty blow Rory fells the hangman and, aided by the peasants, makes his escape. Making his way to the sea, Rory finds a boat in which Kathleen waits for him, ready to take them to America and freedom. [1914 re-release]—Moving Picture World synopsis