Many famous faces come from Derry, with the likes of Nadine Coyle, Eoghan Quigg, and Dana all hailing from the Oak Leaf County. But despite this, the Derry accent hasn’t translated well overseas, with some needing subtitles to understand it. But Derry Girls’ Saoirse-Monica Jackson thinks these are unnecessary.
The actual Derry girl spoke to RTÉ at the season three premiere of the show, and when asked about the Derry accent, she said; “I don’t think they ever did need the subtitles, I think if you want to hear what we’re saying, just listen a wee bit harder.”
The season three premiere for the show was held in Derry’s Omniplex, and marked the beginning of the end as this will be the shows last season.
Speaking about the final season, Saoirse-Monica revealed; “It’s incredibly surreal to think this is the final chapter, I was very reflective this morning thinking about my first ever audition for Derry Girls and that moment of meeting the girls for the first time. It feels very full circle now,”
She also took time to thank the shows creator, Lisa McGee. Saying; “The show is something I’m so incredibly proud of, it’s very humbling and I’m so proud of Lisa.”
The actress also shared how brilliant it was to work on a project based in her home city, highlighting how it allowed her family to be apart of the experience. Revealing, “I’ll also never have another job where I’m doing a premiere that my whole family can come along to, it’s very special.”
Fellow Derry Girls star Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, who plays Michelle, also spoke of her pride in the show saying; “The fact that it has been received so well, such an honest portrayal of Derry, is something I’m really proud of.”
While it’s sad for fans that the show is ending, writer Lisa did offer some hope as she shared; “Who knows what could happen in the Derry Girls universe.”
But she also explained the need for a break and was happy the show finished on her terms. As she explained; “It’s been six years of my life, and I’ve loved it, it’s been very good to me, but we are very tired and need a holiday.”
“This has been like saying goodbye, but it’s not often you get to do exactly what you wanted to do.”
The creator also revealed what the most surreal moments of being involved in the worldwide hit series were. Sharing her highlights were being referenced on iconic cartoon series The Simpsons, and having a mural dedicated to the show in Derry City.
While some might have missed it, eagle-eyed fans noticed an ice-cream shop in a new Simpson’s episode was called, “Dairy Girls Ice Cream.” The Simpsons’ producer Matt Selman, confirmed it was a reference to Derry Girls on Twitter, saying it was “the least we could do!”
Lisa was thrilled to be mentioned on the show saying; “I was a big Simpsons fan in the 90s, so it blew my mind, I can’t believe that happened. That and the mural were my two moments.”
Meanwhile a mural of the girls (and James) was painted on the side of Badgers Bar and Restaurant at 18 Orchard Street, Derry, in 2019. It has since become a big tourist attraction.
