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, che...
Oct 26, 2022•41 min•Season 3Ep. 46
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 t...
Oct 20, 2022•46 min•Season 3Ep. 45
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 pi...
Oct 12, 2022•46 min•Season 3Ep. 44
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 De...
Oct 03, 2022•41 min•Season 3Ep. 43
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, j...
May 28, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 42
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...
May 20, 2022•53 min•Season 3Ep. 41
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 Der...
May 13, 2022•47 min•Season 3Ep. 40
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/tit...
May 09, 2022•51 min•Season 3Ep. 39
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! discovernorthernirela...
Apr 28, 2022•42 min•Season 3Ep. 38
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 t...
Apr 21, 2022•47 min•Season 3Ep. 37
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… fo...
Apr 14, 2022•48 min•Season 3Ep. 36
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 un...
Apr 11, 2022•49 min•Season 3Ep. 35
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 th...
Apr 06, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 34
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 ...
Apr 05, 2022•29 min•Season 3Ep. 33
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 ...
Apr 04, 2022•20 min•Season 3Ep. 32
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 ...
Dec 29, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 31
Amelia Earhart - One of the world’s most famous aviators, American heroine and icon - is actually a Derry Girl! When she broke the world record as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1932 she landed unexpectedly in Gallagher’s field in Ballyarnett, on the outskirts of the city. She was surprised. The rest of the world was surprised, as the plan was to land in Paris. The TDGs talk to Derry tour guide Eilish Quigley from AELA (the Amelia Earhart Legacy Association) about this amazin...
Dec 22, 2021•54 min•Season 3Ep. 30
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and one Derry Girls favourite is busy stocking up on presents for Protestants. The iconic Derry Man talks all things Dennis, putting the fizz into Holy Communion and just how difficult it is to live in the shadow of his super talented and successful "cousin”… Will the TDG's be a match for the force of nature and his 10p mixes or will they be sent out into the wilds of Derry without so much as a cola cube between them. Sure Dennis is a pussycat really… ...
Dec 01, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 29
The TDG's are now back in their separate homelands after an extended Hallowe'en visit to Derry. Any rumours that their stay had anything at all to do with Derry Girls filming in the City last week are merely speculation. Ask No Questions…is both a request and the title of Derry Writer Claire Allan's latest novel. Claire has a true Derry Girl pedigree - all of her books are set in the City and this latest crime novel takes place at Hallowe'en. We all know how much Derry Loves Hallowe'en. Add to t...
Nov 17, 2021•52 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Be Afraid : A Very Scary Talking Derry Girls Extra Special! Spared to roam the streets of Derry for another day the girls are back - haunting the bookshelves and walls of Little Acorns Bookstore. Hallowe'en is here and they are there, spooky tales unfold, costumes are completed faces are painted and surprises are lurking in every dark hole. One Derry Girls inspired costume comes all the way from the USA - via Austria and even brings it's own choreographed step aerobics routine. Even Lisa McGee's...
Nov 01, 2021•1 hr 27 min•Season 3Ep. 27
The Talking Derry Girls are back home for Hallowe’en. They have taken over the Jenni Doherty’s Little Acorns Bookstore and broken into the very fabric and hollows of The Walls to bring you a flavour of how the Hallowe’en Festival takes over the place. In part 1 of this weekend extravaganza (it’s long, you may need a break in the middle) folks they know and don’t know drop by for a chat and chocolate. There are ghost stories as well as a dander round the streets to find out what’s happening.. we’...
Oct 31, 2021•1 hr 47 min•Season 3Ep. 26
Derry City Centre isn’t that big but there are parts of it Jeanie has never been to. The TDGs visit The Fountain which is right up next to THE WALLS and is historic for many reasons including being the last remaining Protestant housing estate in the City. Jeanie and Pauline meet up with Derry/Londonderry stalwart Jeanette Warke - who has been a youth and community worker there for almost 50 years. The TDGs also speculate why Derry Girls is filming in the seaside town of Portrush and at the insti...
Oct 26, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 25
Series 3 of Derry Girls is in production and TDG's are building up our potential. We have already performed an audition piece for Lisa McGee - who could forget our stage presence as part of the set in Tara Lynne O’Neill's Rough Girls ( Episode 23 - if you missed it…). Now we are an event! The Very Scary Talking Derry Girls are to be part of Derry's Spooktacular Hallowe’en celebrations. Hallowe’en is a huge deal in Derry but the City has a lot more to offer than oul hags and witches - even if we ...
Oct 12, 2021•47 min•Season 3Ep. 24
As promised in episode 18 the TDG's made it to the opening night of Tara Lynne O’Neill's Rough Girls at Belfast's Lyric Theatre. We met up the morning after the big night before and we are all buzzing… It’s the first time the 3 of us have done an interview together… in the same room at the same time with a real live guest… we are just a teeny bit giddy. The play revolves around the untold story of Belfast's first all female football team and even though set a hundred years ago it has parallels w...
Sep 14, 2021•48 min•Season 3Ep. 23
An Irish Times number 1 best seller in it's first week of publication Séamas O’Reilly's memoir is a true Derry story. Did ye hear Mammy died? may not be the cheeriest title ever given to a book…but it is set in 90's Derry. Lisa McGee’s Derry. Derry Girls Derry. The dark humour is to the forefront in a story that is both heartbreaking and choke on your tea hilarious in the turn of a page. The 9th of eleven children this is Séamas' story of growing up without a mother in the care of their father J...
Aug 03, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Whether you call it the Derry Air, The Londonderry Air or most likely Danny Boy the TDG's theme song is very dear to our hearts - so when Derry singer/songwriter actor and all round credit to his Ma Damian McGinty agreed to sing it for us we were beyond lurred. Maybe if Damian is new to your - all things Derry - radar you might want to click on the first link below and do a crash course - his recent song and video. This Old Town is a love song to Derry and will help you make sense of our chat wi...
Apr 28, 2021•50 min•Season 3Ep. 21
The sun is shining on Derry's "spectacular" Walls and the TDG's are on the loose with their microphone soaking up the atmosphere and making new pals. Derry folk are always up for a chat and a bit of craic. A couple of brothers prove that everybody really does know everybody in Derry and remind the girls that Derry has a very rich history when it comes to overseas forces. Army, Navy and Air Forces from all over the world were based in and around Derry before, during and after WW2. Not even an all...
Apr 21, 2021•56 min•Season 3Ep. 20
The TDGs are now well and truly waterlogged as their visit to Derry continues. Where better to shelter from the downpour than their favourite Derry Bookshop? What wonders await them? In these brand new premises. Amongst the straining shelves they encounter Jenni Doherty - owner, curator and as Derry a girl as her Donegal roots will allow - I wonder if she's read any good books lately… Jenni’s shop for information and orders https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/LittleAcornsBookstore Facebook: https://www...
Apr 14, 2021•51 min•Season 3Ep. 19
The TDGs all love their Ma's - as well they should. But they all have a favourite surrogate Ma, the ultimate Derry Ma - none other than Ma Mary Quinn - actor Tara Lynne O'Neill. She's the first Derry Girls cast member to join Pauline, Jeanie and Marie-Louise for a chat. There was much excitement, secrets shared and long lost memories unearthed - be warned - big bowls and half loads will be discussed - as will series 3 and the much talked about film. Would Ma Mary really abandon Gerry for George ...
Apr 06, 2021•57 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Continuing their visit to Derry, Pauline, Jeanie and Marie Louise embrace the true spirit of the tourist and book themselves onto a Derry Girls walking tour of the city. They were let loose on the streets of their hometown under the ever patient eye of their tour guide Charlene McCrossan who did her very best to keep order. It was raining, a lot, and they had loads of equipment and cables to keep dry - all whilst socially distancing and trying to reign in their excitement at being back home and,...
Mar 30, 2021•49 min•Season 3Ep. 17
