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