Kill the Irishman

The scorching summer of 1960 sets the stage in Cleveland as Danny Greene and his childhood friends, Billy McComber and Art Sneperger, begin their work at the bustling docks. This labor-intensive environment lays the foundation for what will soon become a treacherous journey into the depths of organized crime.

Art Sneperger's gambling addiction leads him into severe financial trouble, owing a substantial debt to John Nardi, a key player in Cleveland's crime scene. This precarious situation forces Danny Greene to consider desperate measures to help his friend.

In a bid to alleviate Sneperger's financial woes, Danny makes the life-altering choice to provide stolen merchandise to Nardi. This decision sets into motion a series of events that would forever change Danny's trajectory and draw him deeper into the criminal underworld.

As Danny's covert dealings come to light, Jerry Merke, the ruthless labor union boss, demands a cut. Refusing to comply, Danny engages in a brutal fistfight with Joe Buka, Merke's enforcer, and emerges victorious, earning recognition in the criminal community.

Following his victory against Buka, Danny Greene ascends to the position of local union president. Despite his intentions to improve conditions for dockworkers, his rise is overshadowed by corruption and compromises that threaten to dismantle his integrity.

Danny's corrupt dealings soon attract the attention of law enforcement, resulting in a revealing article in a local newspaper. Detective Joe Manditski, an old friend, arrests Danny on corruption charges, forcing him to negotiate with the FBI as an informant to evade prison.

After his arrest, Danny relocates to Collinwood, grappling with personal turmoil as his marriage begins to fracture. He also enters into a dangerous alliance with Nardi, who positions Danny as an enforcer for the notorious loan shark Shondor Birns.

As an enforcer, Danny finds himself embroiled in a power struggle with Jack Licavoli, a Mafia captain controlling the city's garbage industry. The tension escalates as Licavoli demands that Danny intimidate waste collectors to join his union, resulting in broken alliances.

Licavoli orders Danny to eliminate his friend Mike Frato, leading Danny to a harrowing decision. An unexpected remote-controlled bomb incident causes significant fallout, resulting in a confrontation with Frato's driver, who shares Danny's account of self-defense.

The emotional toll from his violent lifestyle and its repercussions leads to the disintegration of Danny's marriage. His wife ultimately leaves with their children, intensifying Danny's isolation amidst the chaotic criminal environment.

Danny aspires to open an upscale restaurant, seeking guidance from Shondor Birns, but their partnership sours over financial disputes. The situation deteriorates further when Birns places a bounty on Danny’s head, pushing him deeper into intense conflicts.

The death of John T. Scalish creates a power vacuum in Cleveland's Mafia, with both Nardi and Licavoli eager to take control. Licavoli imposes a harsh 'street tax' on Danny's operations, prompting a fierce response from Danny as he declares his independence.

Danny's declaration of independence incites Licavoli's fury, resulting in a catastrophic bomb attack on his home. This marks the beginning of a violent war in Cleveland, characterized by numerous bombings that attract national media attention.

In a last-ditch effort for peace, Danny strikes a deal with Genovese boss Anthony Salerno, but the arrangement backfires with devastating consequences. Salerno's emissary employs brutal tactics, leading to the demise of Danny’s allies while deepening the conflicts.

In a tragic turn of events, a bomb planted by Ferritto leads to Danny Greene's untimely death. His assassination sends shockwaves throughout the Mafia, severely impacting the organized crime structure in Cleveland and beyond, marking the end of an era.