Talking Derry Girls

The news is out there. A brand new comedy thriller from Lisa McGee has been commissioned by Channel 4. Lisa is so relieved to finally be able to talk about her new project that she invited Pauline from the TDGs into her Edinburgh Hotel room. It's the day after the news was broken and Lisa is buzzing to tell us more. But just how much is she willing and able to share? For the tape you - you really don't want to miss this extra special bonus episode. NOTES: Lisa’s new TV comedy thriller announcement https://www.channel4.com/press/news/channel-4-announces-lisa-mcgees-brand-new-comedy-thriller-how-get-heaven-belfast Derry Girls Experience https://www.visitderry.com/things-to-do/the-derry-girls-experience-p844151 https://www.facebook.com/towermuseum/?locale=en_GB HOPE bracelets https://www.childrenincrossfire.org/shop/derry-girls-hope-bracelet/ Blue Lights https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/set-pictures-from-series-2-of-bbcs-blue-lights-reveal-possible-new-recruits/a1511634790.html

The all new comedy thriller from Derry Girls creator and all round sound woman Lisa McGee. The TDGs discuss the breaking news of Channel 4's newly commissioned show and how all Derry people already know that the best way to reach Heaven from Belfast is to drive north over the Glenshane mountain pass. So many questions for this new mystery drama but mainly…when the hell can we see it? Whodunit? Wheredunit? And was it even "dun"? Lisa has answered some of the questions with "it's not so much a whodunit as a what the hell happened…" Casting is yet to be announced but a trio of leading actors will investigate. In Lisa's words "I cannot wait to share these flawed funny women with everyone" Management for the trio of TDGs are unavailable for comment and all rumour of botox, fillers and sunbed sessions at Tropicana are in no way indicative of urgent preparations for imminent close up shots… Pauline is however on a train in true Jessica Fletcher mode to investigate further. NOTES : The Big News from Lisa McGee - https://www.channel4.com/press/news/channel-4-announces-lisa-mcgees-brand-new-comedy-thriller-how-get-heaven-belfast Siobhan McSweeney’s BAFTA dress raffle on twitter - https://twitter.com/siobhni Link to enter the fundraiser for Marymount University Hospital & Hospice in Cork - https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/SiobhanMcSweeneyBAFTADressRaffle Visit Derry Competition to come to the City for Halloween - https://www.visitderry.com/whats-on/derry-halloween/derry-halloween-competition Where there’s a will there’s a wake with Kathy Burke - look for the episode with Siobhan McSweeney August 8th https://podfollow.com/1654059310 TDGs Ep 59 - the time we drove over the Glenshane pass with no fuel in the car! We also talked to some of the cast of Derry Girls before it all went horribly wrong - almost! Blue Lights nomination - don’t forget to vote. https://twitter.com/declawn?lang=en DATA BREACH PSNI - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-66578582

Jeanie and Pauline take a road trip to see the ‘actual’ Derry Girls Train - series3 Ep3 Stranger on a Train. Also covered in Ep38 of TDGs Podcast! It’s a long way from Derry to Downpatrick, Marie-Louise wasn’t there she would have talked on the drive! Morgan Young is one of 40 volunteers from all over Ireland, at the Downpatrick and County Down Railway where all sorts of trains live and get restored. It’s a charity and relies on visitors, events and donations to keep going. Morgan was in charge of all the railway side of things in the filming of this episode. He spills the beans on some of the highlights and challenges.. and that’s before we even get to the KitKats or the wee station which also featured prominently in the episode. There’s lots of trips through the Summer season at #Downrail including a ride on THE TRAIN so check out the notes for all the links.. All on Board!! NOTES: Check out all the Summer events at the website and Facebook (they have a great FB page - give it a follow. Downpatrick and County Down Railway - https://www.downrail.co.uk/event/summer/?fbclid=IwAR1B5wLzPyZsKcrrIKZYnoj3960Haxqz05UmjMZW13BcpRWh5LqGbGPCEhM Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/downrail Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/downrail/?hl=en Series 3 EP 3 - Stranger on a Train https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17982346/ Places used in filming - Downpatrick and County Down Railway, Downpartrick Loop Platform, Whitehead Station - near Carrickfergus. #DerryGirlsExperience https://www.visitderry.com/things-to-do/the-derry-girls-experience-p844151 Home of Derry Girls Experience Tower Museum - https://towermuseumcollections.com/ Discover Northern Ireland - https://discovernorthernireland.com/ Also check out Ep 38 of #TalkingDerryGirls where we discussed Ep3 Stranger on a Train.

With too much excitement to cram into just one episode the TDGs become a BOGOF or is it a miniseries? Jeanie wonders if her QR code could lead to unfortunate misunderstandings and Pauline gets chatty with the press pack as they await Jamie Lee O’Donnell. Meanwhile Marie-Louise goes missing in action just when she is needed most. Maybe it has something to do with possible video evidence from her own schooldays. The girls catch up with one of Lisa McGee's old teachers, the man who captured Lisa and her friends performing their Spice girls routine at a school concert. Just how much like Erin was the young Lisa and can you guess which Spice Girl she was? Clue… It wasn't Baby! Meanwhile how did the Golden Ticket Competition winners enjoy the evening and their full on Derry Girls Experience? Does a 10p mix, rock the boat and a cream horn live up to expectations… https://towermuseumcollections.com/ https://www.derrystrabane.com/news/derry-girls-experience-arrives-90’s-style-at-the-tower-museum www.visitderry.com https://www.visitderry.com/derry-girls www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

Derry Girls Experience : Opening Night. The red carpet was out, the pre ordered sunshine was ready and our Golden Ticket winners were standing by. All we needed was the Derry Girl herself - Jamie Lee O'Donnell - poised to assist the Mayor in the cutting of the ribbon. The Derry Girls Experience is now open in the City's Tower Museum and the TDGs were there on launch night to capture all the magic and madness. 10p mixes were eaten, cream horns and Tayto crisps were in abundance and in true Derry style, the craic was 90. Boats were rocked and secrets were told - for the tape. Buckle up and prepare to meet the Real Derry Girls - the childhood friends of Lisa McGee whose antics inspired the series - be warned there are many tales as yet untold. Party central with Jamie Lee O'Donnell, aka Michelle Mallon, what could possibly go wrong? Flaming Sambuca anyone… https://towermuseumcollections.com/ https://www.derrystrabane.com/news/derry-girls-experience-arrives-90’s-style-at-the-tower-museum www.visitderry.com https://www.visitderry.com/derry-girls www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

The TDGs get a preview of the Derry Girls Experience - for THE TAPE. The countdown is now fully on for the official opening on 3rd July. And we’ll be there.. All 3 may be in town but still Jeanie, Pauline and Marie-Louise find it difficult to be in the right place at the same time. The Tower Museum sprites are in full on ‘prep’ mode making sure that everything is in place for Monday's official launch. Last seen in boxes in a huge warehouse storage facility it was tantalising to see which treasures had made the final grade. Here is the TDG's sneaky, sticky beak look at what you can expect. With thanks to the Museum staff who welcomed the girls back into their world and shared the joy and pride they have in this latest extravaganza. You will not be disappointed and it might just change the way you see Museums forever. Some Craic Hi. NOTES: Tower Museum - https://www.facebook.com/towermuseum/?locale=en_GB Visit Derry - https://www.visitderry.com/ Derry Journal - Derry Girls Experience latest… https://www.derryjournal.com/news/people/derry-girls-experience-opening-in-tower-museum-next-week-4200288 You can find out more about us here www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls Do give us a follow on our socials. And LIKE. SHARE. COMMENT. REVIEW. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingderrygirls/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TBLderrygirls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingderrygirlspodcast/?hl=en-gb

The TDGs are always happiest when examining their favourite show. This particular episode has been kept under wraps since November last year when the girls were given exclusive behind the scenes access to the forthcoming Derry Girls Experience. In a huge warehouse deep in the Northern Ireland countryside they found all of the sets and costumes for all 3 seasons of Derry Girls. Sister Michael's desk, Ma Mary's ironing board. The wee lesbian's rainbow badges. The very Tunnocks… Everything was stored away and the TDGs were there with the museum curators as they got their first glimpse of the vast collection of Derry Girls treasure available to them. Overwhelming is the only accurate description. A small taster exhibition has been running in the Visit Derry offices since May and the time is fast approaching for the opening of the Derry Girls Experience in July. It takes a lot to render the TDGs speechless maybe that's how they've managed not to talk about it until now… NOTES: Tower Museum - https://www.facebook.com/towermuseum/?locale=en_GB A big thank you to Visit Derry and Loganir for getting us to the warehouse in November ’22. Visit Derry - https://www.visitderry.com/ Loganair - https://www.loganair.co.uk/ Derry Jounal - opening date for Derry Girls Experience https://www.derryjournal.com/news/people/date-is-set-for-opening-of-new-derry-girls-experience-in-the-tower-museum-4173379

The award winning TDGs and the multi multi award winning Derry Girls want you to be winners too. The long awaited Derry Girls Experience opens its doors to the public on Tuesday 4th July in Derry. On Monday 3rd July a special launch event will be held in the Tower Museum giving a sneak preview of the joys that await. Entrance is by ticket and invitation only and we have 5 pairs of exclusive tickets to give away to true Derry Girls fans. You will need to be in Derry on July 3rd at 6pm. Tickets are for the event only so you will have to make your own way to the Tower Museum. (See terms and conditions in the notes below) TO ENTER go to our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Answer the question. Follow us, like and share. For the tape…the Talking Derry Girls will be there and we want to talk to you. Be lucky. NOTES: GOLDEN TICKETS TO LAUNCH OF DERRY GIRLS EXPERIENCE - 3RD JULY 6-8PM Terms and conditions: The 5 pairs of tickets are being offered by Derry City and Strabane District Council. The invitation will be in the form of an email to the person whose name has been drawn from the pool of those who qualify by completing the question from Talking Derry Girls as well as FOLLOWING. LIKING. SHARING THE ORIGINAL POST on the TDGs social media channels.You also have to declare that you are able to attend on 3rd July 2023 between 6-8pm.You can only enter once in each social media channel. The competition will be open for entries from 1300 on Friday 16th 2023 until 1300 BST Sunday 18th June 2023. The draw from correct answers will be confirmed on Monday 19th June 2023 by an independent person.The chance to win is open to all those who answer the question correctly in the manner outlined above. (by sending the answers on TDGs social media channels only). You also have to be contactable by direct message so you can be informed if you have a pair of tickets.You will only be contacted if you are a winner and are able to be contacted by direct message in the first instance to get email address for Derry City and Strabane District council. DCSDC and Talking Derry Girls Podcast will not be providing any expenses or costs involved in getting to or from the event from 6-8pm on 3rd July. You have to be in a position to make your own way. There is no monetary value involved and only those named on the invitation can attend. (Proof of identity might be required).

It's 3 years since the TDG's first decided to share their combined musings with the world. Some of you have been with us from the beginning - Jeanie still reckons that this is due, in no small part, to her declaration that "mad bastards" are welcome. Which may or may not say more about the state of her own mind. Birthday or Anniversary? It's been 3 years and the girls are nostalgic, the lockdown delirium has thankfully passed and the chats, begun to save their sanity, have moved into new and often unforeseen areas. Guests have joined in the craic and the girls have made some new friends from among their listeners. They are gearing up for the hugely exciting opening of the Derry Girls Experience and need your help with the Podcast Awards Season. Marie-Louise's memory has proven to be most unreliable, Jeanie hates the sound of her own voice (yes really) and to paraphrase Ma Mary, Pauline is 'sick of the lot of us'. Any suggestions of your favourite moments from the last year of Talking Derry Girls would be gratefully received. Happy 3rd whatever it is to us - Cue the Disco version of Danny Boy to celebrate - rocking the boat purely optional… NOTES: Ep 0 - It’s a state of mind - 17th June 2020 Right back at the beginning. Tower Museum https://www.facebook.com/towermuseum/?locale=en_GB Jamie Beamish aka Ciaran https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1820980/ Irish podcast awards - extracts from April 22 - June 23! Suggestions welcome: Some of our thoughts…. Ep 35 - The Launch Ep 50 and Ep 51 Extras part 1 and 2 Ep 54 - Nun the wiser Ep 57 - Three flaming sambucas and a 10p mix Ep 67 - Take a beat with Declan Lawn #BlueLights

The sun is shining on the good people of Derry and the TDG's are remembering sunbed sessions and suntans past and present. Did nude sunbathing ever take off in Donegal and what exactly did Pauline witness on a Northern Irish beach this week? Marie Louise has been mixing with the glitteratti once again while winning yet another award at the Royal Television Society NI awards in Belfast. Derry Girls and Derry Girl, Jamie Lee O Donnell also brought home the top prizes. Meanwhile Jeanie has discovered that there are at least two and a half thousand reasons why being born in Ireland makes living to 100 cause for celebration. Summer's here, someone pass the tanning mitt. NOTES: RTS NI Award - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0b8kqqt (not available to watch on BBC at the moment) https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/be/gallery/rts-ni-awards-take-place-27039768 Louise Gallagher - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5644255/ The Real Derry - https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-real-derry-jamie-lee-odonnell The Fake - fake tan story https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/may/14/irish-times-apologises-for-hoax-ai-article-about-womens-use-of-fake-tan Benone Stand - https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/see-do/beaches/benone-strand https://www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/ Visit Derry https://www.visitderry.com/ Blue Lights https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14466018/ (now available in Australia) Diona Doherty https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/diona-doherty-tv-star-on-motherhood-ivf-and-why-nothing-is-out-of-bounds/41809430.html Your 100th birthday in Ireland https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/social-welfare-payments/older-and-retired-people/centenarians-bounty/ Celtic Media Awards - https://www.celticmediafestival.co.uk/ BBC Dead Hand with Paul Mallon - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0015vls TDGs episodes referred to - https://podfollow.com/1518036400 Episode 36 - Series 3 Episode 1 (The Night before) Episode 1 - Dear Diary Episode 11 - Ballgowns and Let downs Episode 70 - Work Experience TDGs Style Episode 4 - It’s all a load of Walls (which has the first scene 29th May 2017 Episode 18 - Ask yer Ma with Tara Lynne O’Neill

Jeanie spent the past week experiencing work. In the company of two wee English fellas, she went back to basics and introduced her son and his pal to the intricacies of producing and presenting a podcast. Safe to say that they all ended the week having learned a lot. After watching all three seasons back to back and then being forced to listen to the Talking Derry Girls Episode 42 on the finale - Agreement episode - the boys have truly experienced Derry Girls. Their in depth indoctrination into all things Derry Girls also included listening to Episode 13 of the podcast where the girls chatted to Lisa McGee about all things Derry and Derry Girls. Our young workers learned a lot from hearing her take on things too. Safe to say that 2 teenage boys had a very different view of certain events to the 3 women of a certain age who are the TDGs. Aware that they were viewing themes like the James and Erin relationship from a teen male perspective, the boys drafted in a female friend to bring some sanity to proceedings. The week was certainly an experience… But was it work? Not a lot of notes this week: References to Ep 13 of Talking Derry Girls with Lisa McGee Ep 42 The Finale https://podfollow.com/1518036400 BBC along with Open University and PBS - https://creation.com/once-upon-a-time-in-northern-ireland U3A Foyle - https://u3afoyle.com/about/ Open University with North West College https://www.derrynow.com/news/local-news/1026153/the-open-university-form-ground-breaking-partnership-with-derry-college.html www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

It came to our attention recently that some of you are following in our footsteps… Pauline had a tip off that someone we know well may have more information. Any excuse to visit our favourite bookshop. Pauline caught up with Jenni from Little Acorns and got the gen on some recent customers. All the way from the U.S they were following our advice on getting the best from a trip to Derry. Photographic evidence of their trip flooded our social media so Marie Louise as our resident TD Girl decided it was only right to go track the visitors down - they weren't going to be hard to find, after all we had told them where to go… Jeanie meanwhile was safe in Surrey having undertaken some recent work experience, evidence of which should be available soon. NOTES: City of Derry Airport - https://www.facebook.com/CoDerryAirport/?locale=en_GB New Ebrington Hotel - https://theebringtonhotel.com/ NI local Govenernment elections - https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2023/05/22/it-is-our-duty-to-build-a-tolerant-society-northern-ireland-elects-its-first-black-councillor/ Long Day’s journey into night - https://www.timeout.com/london/news/brian-cox-will-return-to-the-west-end-to-star-in-long-days-journey-into-night-121522 Little Acorns Bookstore - https://www.facebook.com/LittleAcornsBookstore/?locale=en_GB Bishopsgate Hotel - https://www.facebook.com/bishopsgatehotelderry/?locale=en_GB Ferry Clever - https://www.facebook.com/ferrycleverdesigns/ Martin McCrossan Derry City walking tours - https://www.derrycitytours.com/ The other priest (Justyn who runs Hidden City Cafe) - https://www.facebook.com/hiddencitycafederry/?locale=en_GB Tower Museum - https://www.facebook.com/towermuseum/?locale=en_GB Visit Derry - https://www.visitderry.com/ Episode 30 TDGs about - Amelia Earhart : Facebook page for Amelia Derry Earhart: https://www.facebook.com/Amelia-Derry-Earhart-902000866508749/ You can see some of Beth’s photos on our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/talkingderrygirls/ (do give us a follow to keep up to date) Chocolate Manor - in Castlerock https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateManor/?locale=en_GB Those spectacular Walls - https://thederrywalls.com/ Claire Allan - Derry based author https://www.claireallan.com/ also Episode 28 TDGs Once upon a time in Northern Ireland (PBS are also involved so will probably be made available in USA - https://creation.com/once-upon-a-time-in-northern-ireland https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0ff7cg0 Richard Moore - https://www.childrenincrossfire.org/ Also in Episode 16 on TDGs. Jeanette Warke Episode 25 TDGs

Full disclosure needed. The TDGs weren't planning to be here this week. Work and family commitments had taken over. However we hadn't allowed for the enormity of this year's BAFTAS. From the moment Siobhan McSweeney swept onto the stage to collect her award for Female Performance in a Comedy Programme they knew discussions had to be had - and that was before the Internet exploded with news that her hilarious and on point acceptance speech had been "edited" (for timing reasons say the BBC… political reasons say pretty much all of the rest of us). Links to both versions of the speech are in the notes you may want to take a look before listening. Lisa Mc Gee added to her BAFTA stash with the award for Best Scripted Comedy bringing the Derry Girls BAFTA tally for the final series to 3. Maybe a good time to remind you that Jeanie, Pauline and Marie-Louise were extras in series 3… Fading to black after half a second of screen time in the funeral scene in episode 6. BAFTA winning performance x 3…! Join Pauline and Jeanie as they discuss shoes, dresses and censorship….and to anyone who believes that silencing the force behind Sister Michael was justified "you might want to think about wising up". NOTES: BAFTAS - https://www.bafta.org/television/awards/bafta-television-2023-nominations-winners the two interviews side-by-side! https://twitter.com/OhHeyJacob/status/1657951174761357314?s=20 Alistair Campbell - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alastair_Campbell Rory Stewart - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rory_Stewart The Rest is Politics - https://podfollow.com/1611374685 (The Rest is Politics) Leading - https://podfollow.com/1665265193 Tony Blair - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Blair Gerry Adams - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerry_Adams Lynette Fay show BBC Radio Ulster - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001lymk (We were on the last 15 mins or so) Children in Crossfire - and the Hope braclets worn by the cast at the BAFTAs and Series 3 Richard Moore who founded the Derry based international charity was a guest on TDGs Ep 16 Richard has an amazing personal story and is also incredibly funny! https://www.childrenincrossfire.org/ https://www.childrenincrossfire.org/shop/ Ep 46 - For the Tape - Ma Mary Tara Lynne O’Neill aka Ma Mary was a guest on TDGs. (Well worth a re-listen!)

CONTAINS A SPOILER! Just in case you haven’t watched Blue Lights yet! We have a wee challenge for you this week. Can you count how many times Blue Lights writer Declan Lawn makes us gasp during this chat? Currently writing series 2 we deployed the mantra of Blue Lights favourite Gerry and reminded Declan "If you catch a break - take it" Derry pedigree duly scrutinised Declan discusses the workings of the writer's room as a creative concept and how the acting and creative talent on tap in Northern Ireland is a joy for anyone involved in the Arts. Derry Girls is naturally on the agenda and Declan has something to say about how Lisa McGee's creation has opened the door for others. Back to the idea of gasps and the TDG's are introduced to a new concept… U.R.S.T. Who knew!? Spoiler Alert : the elephant in the room moment… Really - how could he? SPOILER WARNING - DON’T LISTEN BETWEEN ‪34.30 - 40.22‬ IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS..!! The answer is both moving and, sorry to admit it, understandable. Finally since series 2 is still being written could there maybe, just perhaps, be a small role for 3 ladies of a certain age in the new series?... NOTES: Interview with Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson - writers of BBC’s Blue Lights. https://www.televisual.com/news/blue-lights-q-a-with-declan-lawn-adam-patterson/ Outline of Blue Lights - Slugger O’Toole’s blog follows each episode but there’s a warning about spoilers (no spoilers in this first piece! https://sluggerotoole.com/2023/03/28/frequent-flyers/ URST from the Global dictionary - Acronym for UnResolved Sexual Tension. Originated in the Australian TV series the secret life of us. "Wow, check out the urst flying back and forth between … Claire Allan, Novelist based in Derry - https://www.claireallan.com/ U.R.S.T. - Acronym for UnResolved Sexual Tension. Originated in the Australian TV series the secret life of us. "Wow, check out the urst flying back and forth between … The Sailsbury Posionings is still available on the BBC iplayer - https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p08dqns1/the-salisbury-poisoningswritten by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson Louise Gallagher https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5644255/ Michael Shea aka Mo McInyre aka Clive the wee prod from East Belfast - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6457179/ URST subjects - Sian Brooke aka Grace Ellis https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1604939/?ref_=tt_cl_t_2 Martin McCann aka Steve Neil https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0564901/?ref_=tt_cl_t_5 Dearbhaile McKinny aka Aisling (Ep5 Blue Lights) aka wee Aunt Sarah (Series 3 - The Reunion) https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9130037/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t43 Nathan Braniff aka Tommy Foster https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10135090/?ref_=tt_cl_t_4 Richard Dormer aka Gerry Cliff https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0233807/?ref_=tt_cl_t_12 John Lynch aka James McIntyre https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001487/?ref_=tt_cl_t_10 Art Campion (Father Peter in Derry Girls) drug dealer in Blue Lights https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4113743/ Chris Ferry - Ferry Clever - https://ferryclever.co.uk/ Sent from my iPhone

For the tape… and new listeners, Talking Derry Girls are Pauline Moore, Jeanie Messenger and Marie-Louise Muir. However whilst they are very much individuals and more often on their own, they are aware that it's not always obvious who is who! Maybe introductions are in order? Judge for yourself how well that idea goes!! In slightly saner times, the girls have been binge watching a new BBC drama “Blue Lights”, a police drama set in present day Belfast, a premise that deserves praise just for getting commissioned in the first place. The show is remarkably good and manages to put a human face on the Police Service of Northern Ireland that is both enlightening and refreshing. It's gritty and believable with just the right sprinkling of NI humour. The TDG's are hooked and a second series has been announced. The girls will talk to writer Declan Lawn next week so if you have any burning questions you want to be asked do get in touch. I wonder if the wee Jewish fella still works in Ballymena? NOTES: Blue Lights - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14466018/ Review of Blue Lights (WITH NO SPOILERS) https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/may/01/blue-lights-this-thrilling-cop-drama-is-one-of-tvs-best-shows Jeanie and Pauline met one of the characters at Dancing at Lughnasa https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/blue-lights-katherine-devlin-annie-northern-ireland-b2328718.html https://thedetail.tv/articles/policing-in-northern-ireland-since-the-good-friday-agreement Great interview with the writers Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson about Blue Lights (NO SPOILERS) https://www.televisual.com/news/blue-lights-q-a-with-declan-lawn-adam-patterson/ Gerry Anderson presenter BBC Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerry_Anderson_(broadcaster) Claire Allan, Novelist based in Derry - https://www.claireallan.com/ Art Campion (Father Peter in Derry Girls) drug dealer in Blue Lights https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4113743/ Good Friday Agreement BBC podcast https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-64858138 Before and After - Good Friday Agreement events https://www.linenhall.com/origins-legacies-the-belfast-good-friday-agreement/ Ep3 of Talking Derry Girls - it’s the episode of the wee dead dog pissing on the statue but it also has a few of our own stories about the police and army.

Pauline and Jeanie are hobnobbing in London's West End while Marie-Louise is a plus 1 at a Presidential visit, as excuses go, it's not a bad one. But her knowledge of culture and the arts was keenly missed when her two cohorts tried schmoozing in theatre land. As best day top-trumps go it's a tough one to call and may go some way to explain why Jeanie is slightly more hyper than usual this week. Is she giddy with excitement or off her chops on cough meds? You decide. The “Dancing at Lughnasa” opening night blows their minds when Pauline gets mistaken for a cast member… Can you guess who?... Or maybe she is someone's mother? it was a memorable night. Meanwhile Kathy Kiera Clarke, aka Aunt Sarah, Orla's Derry Girls mother is ripping up the stage in “The Dry House” at the Marylebone Theatre and Pauline devises a plan to clone Paul Mescal's DNA after getting very close to him thanks to the best £10 either of them has ever spent. Let's just say it's not only Streetcars that are named Desire… Clinton’s visit to Northern Ireland 2023 - Making Hope and History Rhyme (Seamus Heaney) https://youtube.com/live/MNEZ1-b3s94?feature=share https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-43658769.amp Bronagh Gallagher - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronagh_Gallagher Ash - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Wheeler Neil Hannon - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Hannon Neil Hannon - singing Sunrise check out our FB page for this. We will post it https://www.facebook.com/talkingderrygirls There are two notes from ML to put in here. Dancing at Lughnasa - at the National Theatre https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/dancing-at-lughnasa/ Brian Friel - https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/oct/02/brian-friel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Friel Just noticed that the Brian Friel doc produced by Marie-Louise is on You Tube. Give it a search. The Dry House - https://www.marylebonetheatre.com/productions/the-dry-house A Street Car named Desire - https://www.thephoenixtheatre.co.uk/shows/a-streetcar-named-desire PLAYHOUSE DERRY - play about John Hume available to watch online until 30th April 2023 https://www.derryplayhouse.co.uk/event/beyond-belief-the-life-and-mission-of-john-hume BBC World Service documentary In the Studio about the play presented by Marie-Louise and co produced by Pauline and Marie-Louise https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0ffwwp3 Siobhan McSweeney and Louisa Harland on BBC Radio 4 - Woman’s Hour April 2023. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001kxf8

The life and Mission of John and Pat Hume 25 years on from the signing of the Good Friday Agreement a new theatrical production has been created to mark the legacy of the late John and Pat Hume. It premiered in Derry's Guildhall on 31st March and will be streamed live to a global audience this week on Good Friday (Link in the notes) The TDG's were of course on hand to watch the story unfold and this week there is an insight into what Pauline and Marie-Louise get up to in their not spare time. BBC World Service documentary anyone? Voted Ireland's Greatest in a 2010 viewers poll for RTE, John Hume and his wife Pat left their mark on Irish history but more importantly on the people of Derry. To tell their story on a Derry stage to an audience who knew them best is a remarkable feat for the Derry Playhouse and is as brave and remarkable as John and Pat themselves. NOTES: BBC World Service - In the Studio presented by Marie-Louise Muir and co produced by Marie-Louise Muir and Pauline Moore https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct4ydw The new A6 road by passing Dungiven. https://www.derryjournal.com/news/environment/first-look-as-derry-to-dungiven-stretch-of-a6-belfast-road-fully-opens-today-4096050 President Joe Biden to visit Northern Ireland on 25th anniversary of Good Friday Agreement. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-65170050 Beyond Belief - Playhouse theatre. Live streaming on Friday 7th April, available for a week. https://www.derryplayhouse.co.uk/event/beyond-belief-the-life-and-mission-of-john-hume Bloody Sunday - the White Handkerchief https://www.derryplayhouse.co.uk/event/the-white-handkerchief Found this podcast which features John Hume and David Trimble - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-hume-and-david-trimble-a-vision-of-peace/id1025864075?i=1000488332557 Kathleen Gillespie http://wavetraumacentre.org.uk/stories_from_silence/kathleen-gillespie/ Gerry Doherty https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2023/04/02/news/john_hume_musical_drama_opens_at_derry_s_guildhall-3180946/ Pat Hume https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/sep/06/pat-hume-obituary BBC podcast about the Good Friday Agreement - marking the 25th anniversary https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0f6zpv4 And homework from the TDGs... Ep 7 - of the podcast where we talk about John Hume who died in August 2020. Ep 42 - The Agreement Ep7 Derry Girls Ep 35 - The Launch of Series 3 - Derry Girls (1st anniversary).

As promised and just in time for the St Patrick's Day Spring Carnival, the eagerly awaited Derry Girls taster exhibition opened this week in the City. Marie-Louise was there representing the TDG's and getting the bars on what is and what will be included in the future exhibition. She tells Pauline and Jeanie what to expect and the girls gain an insight into how she spends her days off. It all starts with an intro that is worthy of Uncle Colm and she chats to some new pals and catches up with an old friend of the TDG's, resplendent in Green and generously dishing out cream horns. Scarily she also embraces her inner Clare, maybe because she was allowed to be an individual on her own. In celebration of the immersive, interactive, augmented reality experience that is planned for this Summer we thought we would make this episode interactive too. Please prepare yourselves for TDG's bingo. Drinkers will need shots, flaming Sambucas are recommended - teetotallers can play with cream horns, pop tarts or Tayto crisps. You can indulge in your chosen treat every time you hear the words ICONIC - VISIT DERRY or WATERLOO PLACE. Other party games are available and most likely safer - Slainte. NOTES: Visit Derry - where the taster Exhibition is being housed https://www.visitderry.com/ https://www.visitderry.com/derry-girls Tower Museum - where the Derry Girls Experience is opening in the Summer - https://towermuseumcollections.com/ EPIC DESIGN - https://epic.ie/index.html Derry City and Strabane District Council - https://www.derrystrabane.com/ Derry Girls afternoon tea Everyglades Hotel - https://www.hastingshotels.com/everglades-hotel/afternoon-tea.html https://www.visitderry.com/food-and-drink Friends of the Factory - Shirt Tales Part 1 Ep 62 https://www.facebook.com/groups/482405762757848/ Beyond Belief - The Life and Mission of John Hume - https://www.derryplayhouse.co.uk/event/beyond-belief-the-life-and-mission-of-john-hume available to watch online on 7th April. The first part of the trilogy - The White Handkerchief is available on demand from the website. Ma Mary aka Tara Lynne O’Neill talking about her jazzy jumper Ep 46 When Jeanie’s work thought she was in River Dance Ep12 The TDGs on the Derry Girls food tour Ep 57

Abandoned (for one episode only) by Jeanie and Marie-Louise, Pauline is determined not to be an individual on her own! Meet fellow Derry girls, Yvonne Norris and Naomi Petropoulos. Both DGs have a strong interest in the rich history of the city’s shirt factories. For quite a few decades there were more than 40 factories employing thousands of women. In 1867, Karl Marx mentioned the new trend of home working - referencing one of the world’s first industrialised factories - Tillie and Henderson which at one time was the largest shirt factory in the world. There’s been a long campaign to recognise the Factory Girls who kept the economy of the city going. Yvonne and Naomi give a great introduction to a vital story in Derry’s history. And they did pass the audition if any situations arise in Talking Derry Girls. NOTES Shirts, Singer and Sewing exhibition snippets of interviews with factory girls carried out by Naomi Petropoulos originalderrygirls.com Shirts, Singers and Sewing exhibition iin Shipquay Street in Derry City centre. https://towermuseumcollections.com/shirtssingersandsewing/ Naomi Petropoulos - Family Matters podcast episode where Naomi chats to her Granny and Mother-in-law about working in Derry’s shirt factories https://deindustrialization-and-the-politics-of-our-time.castos.com/episodes/family-matters-with-naomi-petropoulos Article by Naomi Petropoulos https://deindustrialization.org/honouring-the-original-derry-girls-the-resurgence-of-the-commemoration-and-celebration-of-shirt-making-in-derry-northern-ireland/ Friends of the Factories https://www.friendsofthefactories.com/ https://twitter.com/FOTF21 Article about the Tillie and Henderson shirt factory in Derry/Londonderry. The world’s first modern factory mentioned by Karl Marx in Das Kapital. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/factory-made-marx-see-red/28176820.htmlhttps://www.facebook.com/watch/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=1YhcI9R&v=199041234710306 BBC Radio Ulster - Stories in Sound, Factory Girls https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0008nmp BBC The shirt factory horn (TV clip) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00q946p Shirt Factory Heritage Walking Tour https://www.derriedanders.co.uk/tour/shirt-factory-heritage-walking-tour Friends of the Factories - plaques initiative https://www.friendsofthefactories.com/gallery-1 BBC report on Factory Girls song by Keiron Tourish https://www.facebook.com/watch/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=1YhcI9R&v=328950601755997 My Granny was a Factory Girl https://www.irishpost.com/news/irish-sisters-charity-song-grandma-191341 The Friends of the Factory Workers scheme was the winner of the Women’s History Network Community History Prize in 2021. https://womenshistorynetwork.org/womens-history-network-2021-community-history-prize-winners-friends-of-the-factories/ Derry’s factory girls: A window into the adult world https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-49740625.amp Amelia Earhart in Derry - Ep 30 Talking Derry Girls Podcast Plaques at St Columb’s Hall to commemorate visits by Emmeline Pankhust, Eleanor Marx and Margaret Cousins - https://www.derrynow.com/news/news/630815/plaques-unveiled-at-st-columb-s-hall-in-derry-to-commemorate-historic-visits.html Derry Girls and Rock and Roll https://www.derryjournal.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/13-photographs-of-factory-girls-and-rock-n-roll-at-the-millennium-forum-4030642 Willie Deery https://www.derrynow.com/news/arts---entertainment/1018082/a-derry-play-with-a-difference-factory-girls-and-rock-n-roll.html Derry’s Dance Halls of Romance - Willie Deery https://www.amazon.co.uk/Derrys-Dancehalls-Romance-Willie-Deery/dp/1906271410 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Springtown-Camp-Inside-Willie-Deery/dp/1906271305 Claire Allan Derry based writer (guest on Ep 28) - The First Time I said Goodbye https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/19101043 https://www.claireallan.com/

The TDG's - Pauline, Marie-Louise and Jeanie - have always got each other's backs and this week they manage to help each other out without even realising. We all get times when we feel a bit flat but this week the girls were all in a bit of a slump. Strange things happen when friends get together and admit they aren't at their best. Hold tight to those friends. Derry has opened a new tribute to Mo Mowlam and the girls remember the force of nature who, as Northern Ireland Secretary, played no small part in the Good Friday Agreement negotiations. No fusty old statue to remember Mo.! The girls remember being serenaded by Damian McGinty who is currently dancing up a storm in Ireland's Dancing with the Stars… memories, good pals and chat. Happy International Women's Day. NOTES : You might want to revisit TDGs 36 and 37 covering the first two episodes in Series 3. NI secretary of state - Mo Mowlam: www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/aug/19/obituaries.northernireland Mo Mowlam talking about the NI peace process: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC77sMU0uMg Mo Mowlam visiting the Maze prison: www.theguardian.com/politics/1998/jan/10/devolution.uk Issue of policing in Good Friday Agreement: www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/11/policing-crisis-northern-ireland-good-friday-agreement-psni-brexit https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/jan/17/mowlam-tumour-blair-labour Women’s Coalition (1996) - a minor but very important party forcing other parties to take women's issues seriously: niassembly.gov.uk/visit-and-learning/women-in-parliament/northern-ireland-womens-coalition/ Monica McWilliams and an interview about her book Stand up, Speak out where she talks about Mo Mowlam. https://www.independent.ie/life/monica-mcwilliams-on-women-being-airbrushed-from-the-norths-peace-process-history-41407501.html Mo Mowlam studio opening https://www.ulster.ac.uk/news/2023/march/ulster-university-launches-mo-mowlam-studio-on-its-derry~londonderry-campus The campaign for a University in Derry https://universitytimes.ie/2022/01/derrys-50-year-fight-for-university-places/ Factory Girls and Rock and Roll https://www.derrynow.com/news/arts---entertainment/1018082/a-derry-play-with-a-difference-factory-girls-and-rock-n-roll.html Damian McGinty - he was a guest on TDGs Ep21 - Derry Boy (40 episodes ago). He’s now in the semi finals of RTE’s Dancing with the Stars.. Go to Ep21 to hear about how he got into the TV hit Glee. And how Jeanie’s Dad give him a present one Christmas when he was a lad!! https://www.facebook.com/damianmcginty/?locale=en_GB Eurovision Song Contest https://eurovision.tv/ New BBC podcast marking 25th anniversary of Good Friday Agreement https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-64858138 Link for GFA podcast from BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0f6zpv4 Marie-Louise and Pauline are Jeanie’s wee English fella’s Godmother Others as he’s always called us..

The TDG's are in reflective mood or is it delirium? 60 epiodes in has got them thinking - is it maybe time to hang up their recording gear and go open that "flip flop shop in Hawaii"? Is there enough laundry in her world to keep Pauline busy and could Marie-Louise be happy embedded in her world of Culture and the Arts? At least Jeanie could make it to her Slimming World meetings every week. Prepare yourselves, this episode is the closest you will get to being a fly on the wall when these 3 get together. No notes. No prep. And very little sense. Be grateful no alcohol was consumed… Happy 60th! Notes: The Windsor Framework (so far..) - https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_23_1271 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-64790193 Denis Murray former Ireland Correspondent - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15138685 International Polar Bear Day - https://polarbearsinternational.org/act-now/awareness-events/international-polar-bear-day/ There’s a recipe for Mary’s Derry Stew on page 93 of Erin’s Diary! The difference between swedes and turnips http://topveg.com/2017/07/29/the-difference-between-swedes-and-turnips/ Ep 13 Talking Derry Girls - with Lisa McGee where we talk about listening to the episodes. Director of Derry Girls: Michael Lennox - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3156269/ https://www.joe.ie/movies-tv/paul-mescal-viral-irish-language-skills-late-late-show-769049 Dancing at Lughnasa - https://playbill.com/production/dancing-at-lughnasa-london-national-theatre-olivier-2023 Justine Mitchell (the 4th Derry Girl in D at L) https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0593490/ The Dry House https://www.marylebonetheatre.com/productions/the-dry-house?gclid=CjwKCAiAjPyfBhBMEiwAB2CCIiQlnkQyBSk0gH3omxzkWO6RNPqftCsk55s26Gpl1iJ-MYeAoALiYxoCzVcQAvD_BwE Paul Mescal - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Mescal https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/feb/23/paul-mescal-confronts-female-fan-who-groped-him-during-selfie https://www.joe.ie/movies-tv/paul-mescal-viral-irish-language-skills-late-late-show-769049 Damian McGinty - Ep 21 of TDGs - Derry Boy He won The Glee Project in USA, lives in Nashville, is currently in RTE’s Dancing with the stars. https://www.damianmcginty.com/home Beyond Paradise - on Britbox and BBC https://tellyvisions.org/article/britbox-bbc-one-will-debut-beyond-paradise-simultaneously-both-sides-pond Stephen King’s - Welcome to Derry https://www.irishpost.com/news/derry-girls-fans-swamp-post-announcing-prequel-series-to-the-it-horror-movies-248368 For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

The TDG's have been on a road trip like no other. One where Marie-Louise was in charge - chairing a very special Derry Girls reunion. Staged at the Metropolitan Art Centre (Mac) in Belfast, Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee and several cast members came together for a special fundraising event in support of Friends of the Mac, the charitable organisation which raises money to fund the centre. The Mac has seen many of the cast tread their boards in the past and staged one of Lisa's early plays. Safe to say it is a cause close to the hearts of the Derry Girls cast who joined in the reunion. The Mac has recently launched their US Friends of the Mac at the world famous Irish bar The Dead Rabbit in NYC. We have it on good authority that Seamus the cat has an alibi for the night of the bunny's demise and….sure anyway he wouldn't hurt a fly… The reunion night was a doozy and Jeanie and Pauline tagged along to get the inside track and backstage gossip. Pauline borrowed an iron from Ma Mary, Orla talked dance moves and Granda Joe told how he was won in a raffle. Lisa confessed how she will never tire of winning awards for Derry Girls - Dennis told us all to GET OUT and Aunt Sarah - Well you can imagine… Toome - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toome The Mac - themaclive.com/whats-on Funding link - Friends of the MAC | The MAC Belfast (themaclive.com) The Launch of series 3 - Episode 35 (The one where Paul Mallon aka Dennis gave us a room. Go look for it!) The Jazz House, Derry - clarenceproperty.co.uk/house/jazz-house/ The Dead Rabbit: The World famous Irish pub in NYC - thedeadrabbit.com/ Geraldine Hughes - imdb.com/name/nm0400625/ The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretary_of_State_for_Northern_Ireland Ferry Clever - ferryclever.co.uk/ Charlotte Gillies - www.instagram.com/derrygirlshitposts/?hl=en Charlotte and Jess - www.instagram.com/kathykclarkefans/?hl=en Dancing at Lughnasa - www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/dancing-at-lughnasa/ Marie-Louise’s TV programme about Brian Friel who wrote Dancing at Lughnasa - it’s only available on the iplayer for a few more days. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0b8kqqt The Ballad Of Renegade Nell - www.stylist.co.uk/entertainment/tv/the-ballad-of-renegade-nell-disney-plus/701583 Rough Magic - www.roughmagic.ie/ For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

The TDG's are back together in the City and looking for adventure. Just getting there involved one tale of woe which Pauline would be much wiser to forget. Was there really lapdancing involved in her computer repair? Maybe they use a different system in Glasgow? Talking of exhibits we have news on the rumoured Derry Girls exhibition that you won't want to miss - Happy St Patrick's Day is all we can say or is it…? A campaign is launched to make Tom Hanks a Derry Girl. Promises are made to the famous Hollywood actor and typewriter collector as Jenni Doherty from Little Acorns Bookstore invites him to her new premises to check out her typewriter museum. All in the week when the TDG's attend a special fundraising Derry Girls reunion. There is limited time to get your questions in for the on stage Q and A session. Details in the notes. Derry Girls Exhibition: derryjournal.com/news/people/plans-unveiled-for-new-derry-girls-exhibition-in-tower-museum-and-trail-of-key-filming-locations-3990815 Little Acorns Bookstore: facebook.com/LittleAcornsBookstore Tom Hanks and his typewriters: typewriters.com/blogs/blog/typewriters-more-than-just-a-hobby-for-tom-hanks Derry Girls Reunion (we’ll be there!): themaclive.com/event/options-presents-derry-girls-the-reunion If you have a question you’d like to ask cast members do let us know - we’ll pick one or two out! Or the most popular question.. Send to our FB or twitter page and give us a follow on all the socials for all the latest! For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

"What were you doing up Pump Street?" February is Love Legenderry Food Month celebrating all of the culinary genius that the City has to offer. Back in November the TDG's embraced their heritage and embarked on the Derry Girls food tour. It is perhaps safe to say that tour guide Feargal Doherty may not have quite known what to expect from these three. No tour of Derry is ever going to be straight laced or straight forward - throw in a chip shop order, flaming sambucas and a trip up Pump Street and you're asking for trouble. Which of the TDG's showed a natural talent with a cream horn and who had points deducted for cheek? Slainte Mothf##kas this is one tour you won't want to miss. Winking and cream horns are optional - no Feargal Dohertys were harmed during the making of this episode. NOTES: Love LegenDerry Food Month has a mouth-watering programme to tempt foodies - www.legenderryfood.com/events Visit Derry: Great places to eat and drink as well as places to stay www.visitderry.com Feargal Doherty’s website - https://wildatlantictravelco.com Feargal Doherty’s Derry Girls Food Tour - https://wildatlantictravelco.com/taste-the-north-west/ venues included in food tour Castle Street Social - https://www.facebook.com/castlestreetsocial/ Lizzie O’Farrells - https://www.facebook.com/lizzieofarrells/ Doherty’s Bakery - William Street https://www.visitderry.com/food-and-drink/dohertys-home-bakery-p710311 The Derry Girls Food tour also includes: Joe Jacksons Ice Cream - ice cream making on Pump Street - https://www.facebook.com/JJsDerry/?locale=en_GB Yellowyard - everything 90s, selling old vinyl, DVDS and retro clothes, also location for the buying of the Flat Boy Slim tickets https://www.facebook.com/TheYellowYard/?locale=en_GB There’s a visit to the site of Dennis’ wee shop and a you get a 10p mix. Rossville Flats - Bogside Derry - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV-LRleRxNk Doherty’s special mince - https://legenderryfood.com/local_producer/dohertys-meats/ UV Arts - https://www.facebook.com/uvartscic/?locale=en_GB McLaughlin’s - https://mclaughlinshardware.co.uk/about-us/ Battle of the Bogside - https://www.britannica.com/event/The-Troubles-Northern-Ireland-history/Civil-rights-activism-the-Battle-of-Bogside-and-the-arrival-of-the-British-army Foyle Books - https://www.facebook.com/FoyleBooks/?locale=en_GB Beech Hill Hotel - https://www.beech-hill.com For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

How much do you know about St Brigid? Ireland has named a new public holiday in her honour but the TDG's are embarrassed by their total ignorance of her story. This week Marie Louise, Pauline and Jeanie welcome Dr Niamh Wycherley who is a medieval historian at Maynooth University. Who was Brigid? religious saint, kick ass pagan goddess or possibly a combination of the two? Dr Niamh helpfully advises the girls that everything we know about Brigid is a mixture of reality and myth. - "Everything and nothing is made up" Sounds like the ideal scenario for a TDG's discussion. Dr Niamh Wycherley - https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/people/niamh-wycherley?page=4 Couple of articles by Niamh on St Brigid https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/research/spotlight-research/boss-brigit https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2023/0123/1349669-st-brigid-kildare-ireland-evidence-identity/ RTE: Finding Brigid - https://www.rte.ie/player/movie/finding-brigid/362119208110 https://www.rte.ie Saint Brigid - https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/st-brigid-ireland Good article on Bad Ass Brigid - https://headstuff.org/entertainment/humour/the-10-times-st-brigid-was-a-badass/ Imbolc Festival in Derry - https://www.imbolcfestival.com/ Little Acorns Bookstore - https://www.facebook.com/LittleAcornsBookstore/?locale=en_GB Visit Derry - https://www.visitderry.com/ For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

2023 is a New Year full of exciting Derry Girls news and upcoming events. The TDG's are primed for action and start this week with a few 'bars' and a timely reminder to check your smoke alarm! Back in episode 52 we talked to the Mayor Sandra Duffy about the Derry Girls effect on the city and here we talk more about her role as Mayor and the privileges it brings. It's certainly not all clinking tea cups with the likes of us. Great craic as that was. The Mayor can choose a charity to support during their tenure and this year it is very close to Sandra's heart. - First Housing - aims to tackle homelessness in the City. But why does one wee boy declare the trappings of Mayoralty ‘vulgar’ and is the welcome mat really ready and waiting for Martin Scorsese? Derry photographer Declan Dillon tells the girls a bit about the inspiration for his Storyteller of the Street portraits and explains why sometimes it's the lending an ear that gives him most joy. Tower Museum Exhibition - The Peace Heroines of Northern Ireland https://towermuseumcollections.com/peaceheroines/ John Hume Musical - https://www.derryplayhouse.co.uk/event/beyond-belief-the-life-and-mission-of-john-hume If you are able to get BBC here’s a TV documentary about the The White Handkerchief about the first in the trilogy - https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00158z8/the-white-handkerchief John Hume awards in the Guildhall - https://www.visitderry.com/blog/read/2022/12/john-humes-peace-prizes-bequeathed-to-derry-on-public-display-in-guildhall-b327 https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Trimble John Hume Obituary https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/aug/03/john-hume-obituary Plans and funding approved for Derry Girls Exhibition - https://www.derryjournal.com/news/people/plans-unveiled-for-new-derry-girls-exhibition-in-tower-museum-and-trail-of-key-filming-locations-3990815 Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council - https://www.facebook.com/people/Sandra-Duffy/100068819905966/ The Mayor’s chosen charity https://www.first-housing.com/ Nancy Soderberg - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Soderberg Good Friday Agreement - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-61968177 George Best Belfast City Airport - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Best_Belfast_City_Airport Peace Flame Garden - https://voicemap.me/tour/derry-londonderry/highlights-of-the-walled-city-of-derry-londonderry/sites/peace-flame-garden Declan Dillon - storyteller of the street instagram - https://www.instagram.com/streets_storytelling/?hl=en facebook.com/search/top?q=storytellerofthestreet derryjournal.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/qa-with-derrys-storyteller-of-the-street-declan-dillon-3430215 https://www.humansofnewyork.com Nancy Soderberg - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Soderberg Good Friday Agreement - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-61968177 For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

Will the real Sister Michael please stand forward? Christmas is a time of magical dreams, imaginings and inexplicable happenings. During a recent pre-festive visit to their hometown the TDG's found themselves thrown off course by a chance collision of events that truly was a gift. They found themselves immersed in a story that started back in 1968 when a young nun requested a copy of the latest Scorsese. That nun was Mary Pat Kelly, she has written the book “Martin Scosese :A Journey”… and her Derry connections are off the scale She is Martin Scorsese’s real life Sister Michael. "Those Nuns" Happy Christmas. MARY PAT KELLY’S BOOK - MARTIN SCORSESE A JOURNEY - NEW EDITION - 17TH NOV 2022 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Martin-Scorsese-Mary-Pat-Kelly/dp/0306831015/ref=asc_df_0306831015/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=606682156008&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8861367680998903785&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046945&hvtargid=pla-1644475610300&psc=1&th=1&psc=1 THAT INTERVIEW WITH MARTIN SCORSESE AT THE ECONOMIC CLUB OF CHICAGO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxsWoh8nQR4 THE PLAYHOUSE DERRY https://www.derryplayhouse.co.uk/ https://www.artsindustry.co.uk/feature/2417-my-story-the-playhouse-a-space-to-make-meaning-together https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lLG5nCqGOk SHIRAH OF BETHLEHEM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWtvmuomBnA JOHN HUME - https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/aug/03/john-hume-obituary Damien Gorman - new musical drama based on John Hume https://www.derryplayhouse.co.uk/event/beyond-belief-the-life-and-mission-of-john-hume MARY PAT KELLY WRITING ABOUT HER FRIENDSHIP WITH JOHN HUME https://www.irishamerica.com/2020/08/to-live-for-irelandmary-pat-kelly-writes-about-her-friendship-with-politician-and-peacemaker-john-hume-2/ GRACE O’MALLEY - PIRATE QUEEN https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/grace-o-malley-irish-female-pirate CHICAGO RIOTS https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1968_Chicago_riots THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Temptation_of_Christ_(film)

Back in their separate homesteads the TDG's are battling to unearth any Christmas spirit. Marie-Louise is still fighting her bug, Jeanie's wee English fella is also sick and her boiler has packed up, meanwhile Pauline's knickers are frozen. Mince pie anyone? Luckily they have memories of a very busy week in Derry, with Christmas cheer, gifts and shopping trips aplenty. Santa gets in on the act and Pauline suggests Jamie Dornan may just be the thing for every Derry Girls stocking this year - Did you know Santa was from Derry? Cue the sleighbells. Ep 16 Talking Derry Girls - with Richard Moore (Children in Crossfire) Ep 25 Talking Derry Girls - with Jeanette Warke (The Fountain) Children in Crossfire: childrenincrossfire.org/ Hope bracelets as seen on Derry Girls Series 3: childrenincrossfire.org/product-category/derry-girls/ Santa at the Guildhall in Derry: derryjournal.com/news/people/santa-helping-derry-charity-raise-valuable-funds-3929296 Storyteller of the Street - Declan Dillon: instagram.com/declancartoon/?hl=en-gb facebook.com/search/top?q=storytellerofthestreet derryjournal.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/qa-with-derrys-storyteller-of-the-street-declan-dillon-3430215 John Hume’s peace prizes at the Guildhall: derrystrabane.com/Council/News/Historic-Peace-Collection-unveiled-at-Derry-s-Guil bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-63900189 Ferry Clever: ferryclever.co.uk/ facebook.com/search/top/?q=Ferry%20Clever Pure Derry: purederry.gifts/ Jamie Dornan: imdb.com/name/nm1946193/ For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

What a week it's been for the TDG's - Together in Derry for a pre festive catch up and a few recordings plans took a bit of an unexpected turn. A date with the Mayor coincided with the announcement that Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee would receive her Freedom of the City the following week - in a very private and low key ceremony. Or was it? Flights were changed and press invites wrangled. Lisa has entered "Free Derry" and has a certificate to prove it, truly a great day as the Derry Girl herself became the first ever woman to be given Freedom of the City. Herstory made. Meanwhile in a ridiculously convoluted tale of serendipity Marie-Louise tracked down the woman who told Martin Scorsese to watch Derry Girls. In our wildest imaginings we could not have made this up. There is a nun involved. You do not want to miss this… Lisa McGee being conferred with the Freedom of the City by Derry City and Strabane District Council: youtube.com/watch?v=PaUh2EEMfE8 Lisa’s Freedom of the City: bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-63856911 Mary Pat Kelly - who told Martin Scorsese to watch Derry Girls: irishamerica.com/honoree/mary-pat-kelly-2/ For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

When Hollywood Royalty declared their feelings for "those nuns" the TDGs had a rethink about their role in the programme. Should Marie-Louise have embraced her nun in civvies look and could Pauline and Jeanie's dark theories about the funeral scene maybe have been a premonition of darker times ahead in a Scorcese directed Derry Girls movie? Back in time to 2021 and the girls pick up their audio diary fresh from the funeral set and still a bit giddy from the excitement and trauma of the day. Exhausted from mourning an unknown deceased when their theories have all but wiped out the entire cast in a catastrophic disaster of Scorsesian magnitude… Action! Martin Scorsese: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Scorsese Goodfellas: www.imdb.com/title/tt0099685/ www.theguardian.com/film/goodfellas Lisa McGee talking about the film influences in Series 3: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/entertainment/comedy-writer-lisa-mcgee-puts-the-derry-girls-on-film-41537783.html The Economic Club of Chicago: econclubchi.org/ Ep36 of TDGs - The Night Before.. For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

Back in November 2021 the TDG's were given the honour of appearing as extras in an episode of the show. It gave them exclusive behind the scenes insights into the making of the programme itself. The casting, the costumes, the make up and locations. All very exciting and all top secret. Now to celebrate their 50th episode the time has come to share that day and ponder just how right or wrong their storyline theories were. With no idea where their scene would fit into the finished series the girls were left to speculate what the heck was going on. Just how difficult was it to look like they belonged in the 90's and could they contain their grief at a funeral? A funeral where they didn't actually know who had died… or did they? The Nerve Centre: nervecentre.org/ The Hidden Cafe: www.derrynow.com/news/derry-news/826350/derry-hidden-gem-cafe-wins-top-awardat-ni-hospitality-awards-2022.html other episodes Ep 32 - Us sayin nathin - not long after we’d discovered we’d been invited to be extras in Series 3 Ep 41 - Halloween - talking about series 3 Ep 6 For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

The TDG's are well and truly out of their comfort zone when discussion turns to football. Derry City Football Club have won the Football Association Ireland Cup in spectacular fashion and Derry is 'buzzin'. Pauline meets 2 Derry Girls fans on pilgrimage from Indiana and discovers that she may just have a future as a tour guide… could be useful if Jeanie and Marie-Louise continue to be grumpy. If you've ever fancied your own trip to the city that never shuts up… the girls have news of a Tourism Ireland competition especially for US fans. (Details are in the notes below) Be quick as closing date for this particular competition is 18th November… though further comps are promised! Come see Derry for yourself the TDG's might even put the kettle on… TOURISM IRELAND DERRY GIRLS COMPETITION - CLOSING DATE 18TH NOVEMBER 2022 www.ireland.com/en-us/features/derry-girls-competition/ Visit Derry www.visitderry.com 4-0!!! DERRY CITY FOOTBALL CLUB www.derrycityfc.net/ TV programme - A Different League: about Derry City Football Club. www.imdb.com/title/tt15191054/ PURE DERRY purederry.gifts/ Rough Girls - Tara Lynne O’Neill’s play check out Ep23 of the podcast www.irishnews.com/arts/stage/2021/09/04/news/tara-lynne-o-neill-on-new-football-play-rough-girls-and-the-return-of-derry-girls-2435037/ Dana - Eurovison song contest winner en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Kinds_of_Everything Everglades Hotel - www.hastingshotels.com/everglades-hotel/ Bishops Gate Hotel - https://www.bishopsgatehotelderry.com NY Public Library and reading list for Derry Girls www.nypl.org/blog/2022/11/02/what-read-if-youre-missing-derry-girls Walled City Brewery - https://www.walledcitybrewery.com For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

There's nothing " funny" about these award winning scones. A programme that was a year in the making, for reasons which may become apparent. A straightforward meeting with Northern Ireland's number 1 scone maker Michelle Devine, turned into a Bake Off style stand off with the TDG's own Pauline all too ready with her own hints and tips. A case of big bowls at dawn or something a lot less competitive? The event raised a few questions and by a very circuitous route that would have challenged even Uncle Colm, the girls may just have discovered why Rock the Boat is such a hit at Irish weddings. Pauline decides that the girls can learn a thing or two from The West Wing, Marie-Louise is keen to answer your Derry Girls questions while Jeanie says she will not be setting her alarm for a 2am question and answer session, not even for the tape… The Cottage Craft gallery and coffee shop www.visitderry.com/food-and-drink/the-cottage-craft-gallery-and-coffee-shop-p755421 the-cottage-craft-gallery-and-coffee-shop.business.site en-gb.facebook.com/people/The-Cottage-Craft-Gallery-and-Coffee-Shop/100057021806979/ The West Wing www.imdb.com/title/tt0200276/ Richard Schiff aka Toby en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toby_Ziegler Ballyliffin Golf Club - Donegal www.ballyliffingolfclub.com/ For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

It's very scary in Derry : This year saw the return of the carnival parade to the city streets and Jeanie, Pauline and Marie-Louise just couldn't resist being there in person. Maybe it was something to do with episode 6 of Season 3, when Derry Girls celebrated Hallowe'en with Fat Boy Slim and the TDG's became mourners at a funeral… Maybe it was reading the history of Halloween Town a new book by local Derry woman Debs Boyle or maybe they just had a serious fear of missing out on the Craic. Whatever the reason, Hallowe'en discussions take a typical diversion past clothes horses, hotel rooms and the terrifying spectre of boyfriends past. Pauline disguises herself as an exhausted podcaster, Marie-Louise as 5 teenagers and a stressed out guardian and someone puts Jeanie in a corner… Join us as the girls try to find each other in the midst of ghosties, ghoulies and things you most definitely don't want to bump into at night. Cue the spooky music… Spark! - who opened the parade https://www.facebook.com/worldbeatersmusic Hallowe’en derryhalloween.com facebook.com/DerryHalloween/ Welcome to Halloween book - buy it here www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BDPMK9MQ Halloween Town facebook.com/ourtownhalloween/ Norhwest Carnival Initiative who are responsible for the Parade https://www.facebook.com/NorthWestCarnivalInitiative Little Acorns Bookstore - Jenni Doherty https://en-gb.facebook.com/LittleAcornsBookstore/ Memories of Derry Hallowe’en collected in new book WELCOME TO HALLOWE’EN TOWN by Deborah Boyle (there’s also a film which can be found on the links below) available on amazon and good bookstores including Little Acorns Bookstore derryjournal.com/news/people/new-book-of-derry-halloween-memories-3882686 facebook.com/ourtownhalloween/ instagram.com/realcheckmedia/ twitter.com/RealCheckMedia/status/1583533583817285632?s=20&t=6PQm6ZGSiqBA-uoRsPWupA Planning your trip visitderry.com/derry-girls You can hear our special Hallowe’en episodes from last year - Ep 26 and Ep 27 podfollow.com/1518036400 Madeline McCully - Derry based Storyteller who told the story of the haunted convent on Pump Street! facebook.com/GlensStorytelling/posts/madeline-mccully-one-of-our-group-of-excellent-tellers/2110911909041750/ For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

We said nothing until we'd seen our solicitor… Tara Lynne O Neill, in true Derry Ma style, pulled out all the stops and made things better for everyone around her.. Aka us. Yes she agreed to give us a second chance, for the tape this time. The TDG's talk to Ma about life imitating art and how some days can truly resemble an episode of Derry Girls. There were so many questions some of which were asked and a few that got some answers… it's hard to keep track when thoughts turn to hot plumbers, cheese and onion crisps, specially commissioned knitwear and wee dogs! Tara Lynne O’Neill has also been our guest on Eps 18 and 23… imdb.com/name/nm0642321/ themaclive.com/event/on-the-shelf Tommy Teirnon’s podcast with his pals: podfollow.com/1528350453 The Split: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Split_(TV_series) www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b15b16 The Hot Plumber - Damien Molony aka Gabriel: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damien_Molony www.imdb.com/name/nm3729877/ TDGs also covered Ep 2 Series 3 The Affair in Ep 37 of the podcast: pod.co/talking-derry-girls/ep-37-tdgs-season-3-ep-2-the-affair-tx Alison Hammond: imdb.com/name/nm0358641/ The most fertile man in Ireland (it’s a film!): imdb.com/title/tt0220652/ For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

Sometimes, it is said, that the truth is told when no-one is listening. In this case lots of truths and a fair few lies were told when no-one was recording. All set up to talk to Tara Lynn O'Neil, aka Ma Mary, about her penchant for hot plumbers and forbidden love (Season 3 episode 2 The Affair) the TDG's fell victim to witchcraft. They were the subject of a technical hex. (Season 2 episode 4 The Curse. - remember what happened to Aunt Bridie when she crossed Ma Mary?!) No coffin this time but the TDGs found themselves with no guest, a blank tape and the spectre of Derry Hallowe'en 2022 to haunt them. Scary stuff… Talking Derry Girls Podcast - Hallowe’en Ep 26 and Ep 27 Derry Hallowe’en: derryhalloween.com/ Derry City and Stabane District council: derrystrabane.com/ Visit Derry: www.derrystrabane.com/ We mention the Clipper Festival a few times. It was held in Derry/Londonderry back in July 2022 www.foylemaritime.com Little Acorns Bookstore littleacornsbookstore.co.uk Welcome to Halloween Town www.derryjournal.com/news/people/new-book-of-derry-halloween-memories-3882686 Nine Waves www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571175185-over-nine-waves/ www.katebushencyclopedia.com/ninth-wave-the Derry Girls Finale should be shown in schools across UK www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/chris-heatonharris-simon-hoare-derry-girls-northern-ireland-secretary-of-state-b1033579.html Ebrington Hotel the view… twitter.com/EbringtonHotel/status/1582365204050247682?s=20&t=rTHOoWpiuHtu-S3b9f9K3A For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

Us the US and all points around the globe. At last, season 3 has landed worldwide and Pauline, Marie-Louise and Jeanie can be a little bit more vocal about what joys lie there-in. The world is watching and the Talking Derry Girls are curious about how the global audience is receiving the new joy. To drip feed or binge on the box set… is there a right way to get your fix? Subtitles on or off? How much time between watching and then rewatching an episode? Was Seamus the cat framed and could you pick Richard Gere's arse out of a line up? There is NO tape! And no spoilers beyond S3 Ep1! Vote for Derry Girls - best comedy up until noon on Thursday 13th October at noon UK time. So adjust for time differences nationaltvawards.com/vote IMRO Radio Awards - Documentary Gold - The Heiress and the General produced by Conor McKay, presented by our own Marie-Louise Muir imroradioawards.ie/winners-imro-2022/#toggle-id-14 bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/m0014nkl Other recent award winners who have been on with TDGs - Jenni Doherty - Little Acorns Bookstore investderrystrabane.com/2022/07/14/local-firms-honoured-at-north-west-business-awards/ littleacornsbookstore.co.uk Geri Martin - The Chocolate Manor belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/co-derry-business-blown-away-25207276 thechocolatemanor.com American Gigolo 1980 imdb.com/title/tt0080365/ Ep 17 - the time we pretended to be Canadians. Walking the Talk derrycitytours.com/ Kevin McAleer aka Uncle Colm irishnews.com/arts/stage/2022/08/20/news/comic_kevin_mcaleer_on_new_live_show_why_am_i_here_and_going_head-to-head_with_liam_neeson_on_derry_girls-2803181/ Hallowe’en 2022 derryhalloween.com/ For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

The 2022 Irish Podcast Awards was a memorable evening. The Talking Derry Girls won the Gold, Arts and Culture award. For once lost for words Jeanie and Pauline took to the stage and the rest of the weekend was a bit of a blur. Luckily Pauline and her trusty recorder were on hand to capture the triumphant return of the award to Derry where we met up with Marie-Louise. With thanks to everyone who has supported, encouraged and listened to our chatter…especially Lisa McGee who's just class. Visit Derry: www.visitderry.com Tourism NI: www.tourismni.com The Walls: thederrywalls.com Ebrington: yourebrington.com UV arts who created the Derry Girls Mural: www.facebook.com/uvartscic/ Ep 18 Tara Lynne O’Neill aka Ma Mary: Click here Ep 16 Richard Moore: Click here Richard’s podcast: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-about-you/id1537387388 https://www.childrenincrossfire.org Ep 27 Derry Hallowe’en: Click here https://derryhalloween.com/ Ep 29 Paul Mallon aka Dennis: Click here Ep 35 The launch of series 3 event (no spoilers): Click here For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

The late great Douglas Adams decreed the number 42 to be the answer to the ultimate question of life, the Universe and everything… we can't claim that TDG's episode 42 will give you the meaning of life but we will have a crack at answering a question or two - depending of course on who is holding the breadstick. The Agreement - the finale to the final season, the end of the road… but was it a road paved in yellow? Could the mighty Oz have the answers that help our gang towards a more peaceful, joyful future? Can anyone ever compete with our devotion to labour saving kitchen gadgets - how many ballot papers would you need to eat to consume a whole politician… and who said it best when he said nothing at all? Pass the breadstick, the TDG's are going in… The Agreement: cain.ulster.ac.uk/events/peace/docs/agreement.htm George Mitchell: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpum-6Zu6Aw (from 2020) John Hume obituary report: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpum-6Zu6Aw David Trimble: www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1998/trimble/facts/ David Ervine: www.theguardian.com/politics/2007/jan/09/uk.northernireland David Cameron’s (former PM) apology for Bloody Sunday: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-60157409 Pat Bradley: www.derryjournal.com/news/people/pat-bradley-the-life-and-times-of-a-senior-public-servant-3692838 The Protocol: www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-53724381 Punch Magazine: www.irishtimes.com/culture/art-and-design/apes-psychos-alcos-how-british-cartoonists-depict-the-irish-1.3149409 Marian Keyes: www.mariankeyes.com/ Bronagh Gallagher (The Commitment): www.bronaghgallagher.com/ www.imdb.com/name/nm0302345/ Also great story about Bronagh in Ep 1 of Talking Derry Girls. Siobhan McSweeney on Today programme Radio 4 after the finale of Derry Girls: twitter.com/BBCr4today/status/1527219608771510272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw Caroline Magennis - author and academic article on Derry Girls: www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/may/18/derry-girls-troubles-northern-ireland-literature Richard Moore - Children in Crossfire: www.childrenincrossfire.org/ www.childrenincrossfire.org/shop/derry-girls-hope-bracelet/#:~:text=These%20bracelets%20were%20handmade%20by,Children%20in%20Crossfire%20deliver%20together. What about you podcast: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-about-you/id1537387388 and all places you get your podcasts. For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

Halloween in Derry - Now there's a subject the TDG's know a trick or treat about - (have a listen to eps 26 and 27 for the full on Derry at Halloween experience). After recording these episodes in Derry last November the TDG's stayed on in town by special invitation to fulfil their ultimate dream - being extras during the filming! What was their scene? Would they need extra hair, make up and costume overhauls and just how much extra security would Granda Joe need to protect him from Marie-Louise's fangirling? Nothing could prepare them for the scene that lay ahead and the Non Disclosure Agreements signed meant that not a word could pass their lips until now… Fat Boy Slim: www.imdb.com/name/nm1041563/bio Seamus Heaney and nobel prize for literature: www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/seamus-heaney BBC Radio Foyle - Sean Coyle: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Coyle BBC Radio Foyle - Gerry Anderson: www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-gerry-anderson-show-bbc-radio-ulster-G7manEcNs82/ (Mr Madstab) Emmett J Scanlan: www.imdb.com/name/nm1631384/ Claire’s Dad - David Ireland (Cyrus Avenue): www.imdb.com/name/nm0409854/ royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/cyprus-avenue-film/ Vanessa Ifediora (Laurie - the kiss): www.imdb.com/name/nm9981698/ Finton (Fi Fi - Fin Fin): m.imdb.com/name/nm5245763/filmotype/actor St Augustine’s Church of Ireland: www.saintaugustines.co.uk St Columbs Hall: www.saintcolumbshall.com City Walking Tours (Charlene Ep 17 TDGs - Walking the Talk): derrycitytours.com/ Yellow Yard: www.facebook.com/TheYellowYard/ Blinkers: restaurantguru.com/Blinkers-Belfast The Hidden City Cafe: www.facebook.com/hiddencitycafederry/ (owned by Justin who was an EXTRA priest with us in this Episode) Our very own Halloween specials in Derry - TDGs Ep 26 and 27! For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

What's 20 years between friends? The TDG's are made painfully aware this week that they are indeed closer in age to the Derry Ma's than to their rebellious offspring. Back to the 70's, to times our girls remember well, all teen angst, teen discos and Teenage Kicks. John Hume is walking the walls, Da Gerry is climbing the walls with hunger and the IRA in their little face hats are stopping anyone from getting anywhere near The Walls with their roadblock on the bridge. Just another day in 70's Derry and - for the tape - the TDG's are loving every single second of it… The John Hume report from TV: youtu.be/K4j6zmWn-V8 Foy Vance: www.foyvance.com/ The Undertones: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Undertones Stiff Little Fingers: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stiff_Little_Fingers Journalist - Peter Taylor: rts.org.uk/article/bedrock-bbc-peter-taylors-steve-hewlett-memorial-lecture cain.ulster.ac.uk/othelem/chron/ch77.htm Peace People 1976: www.peacepeople.com/history/

The TDG's are still coming to terms with all the shocks contained in this week's episode. The language takes an unexpected turn and memories of Donegal bedsharing are revisited. Can the TDG's ever escape from their own reality, which in the words of Sister Michael is a "very serious condition… they're from Derry". Just how hot are the "ripped" "turf cutting" Donegal farmers and did Erin's Diary give us all the necessary pointers towards this week's BIG highlight…? THE HAUNTING - www.imdb.com/title/tt0171363/ SCOOBIE DOO - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scooby-Doo GORKAHORK,DONEGAL - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gortahork HOLDING, TV SERIES en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holding_(TV_series) OLWEN FOURÉRÉ - www.imdb.com/name/nm0288260/ TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE - www.imdb.com/title/tt11755740/ CONLETH HILL - www.imdb.com/name/nm0384152/ CONLETH HILL IN CAR SHARE - www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy7ays9Ljmc DeLOREAN CAR - www.nmni.com/our-museums/Ulster-Transport-Museum/Things-to-see/DeLorean-sports-car.aspx ERIN’S DIARY - hachette.co.uk/titles/lisa-mcgee/erins-diary-an-official-derry-girls-book/9781841884424/ For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

The gang from Derry Girls are off on a day trip and the TDG's are out of their comfort zone. What is it about the seaside destination of Portrush with to quote James, "it's Protestant, Unionist majority" that makes Marie-Louise and Jeanie feel so alienated? Memories of daytrips past and souvenirs never to be forgotten are swallowed up faster than a bag of Tayto Cheese and Onion… sorry Orla but Salt and vinegar are for savages. Look… here comes the snack trolley… Happy Days! discovernorthernireland.com/blog/read/2020/06/take-one-of-the-worlds-great-railway-journeys-b91 Former Python - Michael Palin described the train journey between Coleraine and Derry/Londonderry as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/michael-palins-favourite-railway-line-between-coleraine-and-derry-in-northern-ireland-set-to-re-open-following-upgrade-35227689.html Mr Benn en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr_Benn AMY HUBERMAN - the woman in the ticket office at the station www.rsvplive.ie/news/tv-film/amy-huberman-latest-star-make-26807090 twitter.com/amyhuberman?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor www.imdb.com/title/tt9066034/ PACKY LEE - The man with the wrong bag! from Peaky Blinders peaky-blinders.fandom.com/wiki/Packy_Lee MICHAEL FRY - COMEDIAN and self appointed guardian of the display KITKATS He’s very very funny - go check out his you tubes films…. twitter.com/bigdirtyfry?lang=en SINÉAD KEENAN - We didn’t talk about Sinéad much in this episode but we will.. she’s been in many many great programmes… inlcuding Dr Who. We have a feeling she may be back - it’s just a hunch! www.imdb.com/name/nm0444681/?ref_=nm_mv_close The issue of Decommissioning as part of the Good Friday Agreement cain.ulster.ac.uk/events/peace/decommission.htm Profile - Lisa McGee BBC Radio 4 www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0016phd Barrys - Portrush www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-60834776 The Chocolate Manor - Castlerock thechocolatemanor.com/ For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

Girl Power: For the first time since starting this podcast the 3 Talking Derry Girls are together in the same room to watch the first screening of a Derry Girls episode. The excitement is off the scale, Pauline, Jeanie and Marie-Louise have seen this episode at the cinema premiere, but this is different. This is TV - they're together - there's chips, a dog, Tayto Cheese 'n' Onion crisps and Craic… loads of Craic. Throw in a hot plumber some Wannabes and a Da Enabler and the scene is set. We'll tell you what we want, what we really really want and it's not a broken boiler. Derry Girls on Channel 4 is sponsored by Tourism Ireland: ireland.com/en-gb/ Derry Girls on Channel 4: channel4.com/programmes/derry-girls Women's Coalition (1996) - a minor but very important party forcing other parties to take women's issues seriously: niassembly.gov.uk/visit-and-learning/women-in-parliament/northern-ireland-womens-coalition/ Levi’s 501 Advert - Nick Keman: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwG_wym3p68 Richmond Shopping Centre: www.richmondcentre.co.uk/ Folyeside Shopping Centre: www.foyleside.co.uk/ Austins: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austins_(department_store) The Spice Girls: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spice_Girls www.radiotimes.com/tv/comedy/derry-girls-spice-girls-union-jack-newsupdate/ Erin’s Diary: www.hachette.co.uk/titles/lisa-mcgee/erins-diary-an-official-derry-girls-book/9781841884424/ Stars in their Eyes: www.ukgameshows.com/ukgs/Stars_in_Their_Eyes BBC Children in Need: www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/ Damien Molony: www.imdb.com/name/nm3729877/ www.redonline.co.uk/reviews/film-reviews/a38011828/the-split-season-3-release-date-cast-plot/ Being Human: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Being_Human_(British_TV_series) The Walled City Brewery: www.walledcitybrewery.com/ For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

CONTAINS SPOILERS It's been a long 4 days since the TDG's attended the Premiere of Season 3 of Derry Girls. That is a long time to keep a secret, especially in Derry. Just who was THE special guest. Through various chats with folk around the City Jeanie, Pauline and Marie-Louise were told to expect everyone from Beyonce to Princess Diana… Derry never let's the truth get in the way of a good story. And the truth far outshone anything that Hans Christian Anderson could've made up. So buckle up… for the TDG's it is now the morning after The Night Before received it's first screening on Channel 4 and they have a few things to say about it… Derry Girls on Channel 4 is sponsored by Tourism Ireland: www.ireland.com/en-gb/ Derry Girls on Channel 4: www.channel4.com/programmes/derry-girls Liam Neeson: www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/apr/12/liam-neeson-makes-surprise-appearance-in-new-series-of-derry-girls www.imdb.com/name/nm0000553/ Adrian Dunbar: www.imdb.com/title/tt2303687/characters/nm0001160 NI secretary of state - Mo Mowlam www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/aug/19/obituaries.northernireland Mo Mowlam talking about the NI peace process: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC77sMU0uMg Mo Mowlam visiting the Maze prison: www.theguardian.com/politics/1998/jan/10/devolution.uk Issue of policing in Good Friday Agreement: www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/11/policing-crisis-northern-ireland-good-friday-agreement-psni-brexit Women's Coalition (1996) - a minor but very important party forcing other parties to take women's issues seriously: www.niassembly.gov.uk/visit-and-learning/women-in-parliament/northern-ireland-womens-coalition/ The Northern Ireland Forum for Political Dialogue: cain.ulster.ac.uk/dd/report4/report4a.htm Senator George Mitchell - architect of the Good Friday Agreement: www.usip.org/public-education-new/george-mitchell-building-peace-northern-ireland Review of Ep 1 - The Night Before: www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/apr/12/derry-girls-review-this-modern-classic-goes-out-on-a-high Goodfellas: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodfellas www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECH2sx_H6tw Children in Crossfire: www.facebook.com/search/top?q=children%20in%20crossfire [for your HOPE braclets worn by the cast of Derry Girls. Richard Moore who founded this charity was a guest on our podcast Ep 16 of TDGs]. For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

The first episode of Derry Girls series 3 is revealed tonight on Channel 4. The excitement has been cranking up since Thursday’s Derry premiere. The TDGs - Jeanie, Marie-Louise and Pauline are in town to join the celebrations. This is your pre-Derry Girls episode 1 warm up. So crack open the bubbles, and join us for your very own backstage insight to a Derry Girls Red carpet event. Lisa McGee talks nerves and excitement about how the world will react to the final series. Fr Peter’s hair comes under close scrutiny and Granda Joe talks Irish wakes and weddings. Erin and Michelle declare their love for the podcast and promise to come on. We are pure dead lured! And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better our night ended with a generous gesture from a Derry Girls cast member…. Keep up to date with us on Twitter: @TBLderrygirls Check out our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/talkingderrygirls WATCH Derry Girls on Channel 4: www.channel4.com On RTE (in Ireland): www.rte.ie/ Series 1 & 2 available on Netflix outside UK: www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/derry-girls-season-2-coming-to-netflix-in-august-2019/ For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

It’s the Big Day of the official launch of Series 3 of Derry Girls. The TDGs are all geared up… we’ve got special ‘red carpet’ T - Shirts. There’s more tales from back in November during the week of filming in Derry and build up to the TDGs being EXTRAs. Jeanie and Pauline do Uncle Colm proud in recounting to Marie-Louise the story of meeting Lisa (no spoilers) McGee in front of the Guildhall. We just couldn’t resist it. There’s a walk on the walls post PCR test… all leading up to us being in the Nerve centre (holding pen) before our big moment in Series 3. We are beside ourselves with excitement! We’re off to get our crackin blow drys… Apple: podcasts.apple.com/.../talking-derry.../id1518036400 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4QxdR0HnZWO0oDkNM9szb3... Podcast.co: pod.co/talking-derry-girls For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to:: thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

So, yesterday in Ep 32 we told you nathin! Today, Jeanie and Pauline give a running commentary on not seeing very much at the Guildhall. But it’s the 8th November 2021 and the first day of filming so the place was packed. High viz jackets mingled with uniformed real Derry school girls. Pauline fancies a whole new career in wildlife watching - basically standing around waiting for something to happen. But there was some great intel about the EXTRAs holding pen! And while we were watching someone was watching us…. yep! Lisa (no spoilers) McGee. But Marie-Louise was ragin’ she missed it. Keep up to date with us on Twitter: @TBLderrygirls Check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/talkingderrygirls WATCH Derry Girls on Channel 4: https://www.channel4.com On RTE (in Ireland): https://www.rte.ie/ Series 1 & 2 available on Netflix outside UK: https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/derry-girls-season-2-coming-to-netflix-in-august-2019/ For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls

It’s exactly a week until the first episode of Derry Girls - series 3 airs on Channel 4. The TDGs are getting ready for the pilgrimage home for the special occasion - and of course the launch, with a sneak preview on the big screen. In the run up to the 12th April, Jeanie, Pauline and Marie-Louise catch up after a bit of a break from your ears. They take you back to Nov ’21 just before the week of filming starts in Derry and they reveal they are EXTRAS - no spoilers!! But that doesn’t stop them speculating that Lisa McGee will have them as giant oaks on stage in a pantomime - revenge! (ep 14) Join us over the next few days as we all get Derry Girl ready… For more information about the podcast, visit: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls Keep up to date with us on Twitter: @TBLderrygirls Check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/talkingderrygirls WATCH Derry Girls on Channel 4: https://www.channel4.com On RTE (in Ireland): https://www.rte.ie/ Series 1 & 2 available on Netflix outside UK: https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/derry-girls-season-2-coming-to-netflix-in-august-2019/

It’s that week between Christmas and New Year and the TDGs have a bit of a treat for you. During the @DerryHalloween event they chatted to two great Derry writers and storytellers - Ken McCormack and Madeline McCully. Between them they have written many books about Derry, ghost stories and local folklore as well as history. Only a few of their tales were included in the Hallowe’en episodes, but they were so good and scary that we wrapped them up for you as a Christmas present! See you all later in January - if we’re spared! For more information about Talking Derry Girls, go to: www.thebiglight.com/talkingderrygirls