Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee could be first woman to receive freedom of the city
By UTV correspondent Gareth Wilkinson
The creator of Derry Girls has been proposed for the freedom of the city.
It’s four years since the series exploded onto our scenes and into the hearts of millions.
Set towards the end of the Troubles the teenage antics of Erin, Michelle, Clare, Orla and the “Wee English Fella,” James changed the image of Londonderry.
The smash hit has brought the city’s humour and accent to a global audience.
It’s one of the most successful comedy series ever produced by Channel 4.
Writer Lisa McGee drew on many of her childhood experiences growing up in the city during the 1990s.
Now, she has been nominated to receive the Freedom of Derry - the city’s highest honour.
The award has been proposed by SDLP Councillor Martin Reilly.
Cllr Reilly says he’s had the proposal in recognition of Lisa McGee’s talent and the impact it has made on Derry.
“She’s given people who live here a renewed sense of pride about what it means to be from the city. The city has never in the past bestowed the honour on a female and I think it’s wonderful a Derry Girl is the first nominee.”
In a tweet Lisa McGee described her nomination as an absolute honour. She said she is thrilled to even be considered.
The writer is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Nobel Peace prize winner John Hume and singer songwriter Phil Coulter among others.
She could make a little bit of local history along the way.
The proposal is set to come before councillors at a meeting on Thursday, June 30.