CREATOR AND writer of Derry Girls Lisa McGee has been nominated for the Freedom of the City of Derry.
SDLP councillor Martin Reilly proposed McGee for the honour today, which will come before Derry and Strabane councillors at a meeting on Thursday, 30 June.
Councillor Reilly said it would be fitting for Ms McGee to be the first woman to receive the honour, given her huge contribution to the city.
Councillor Reilly said:
“Lisa McGee has brought so much joy and civic pride to our city and district through her writing and this work has undoubtedly put Derry and its people on a global stage.
"Right from the first episode of the first series, the adventures of the Channel 4 ‘Derry Girls’ school teenagers and their experiences growing up against the background of the Troubles as society moved towards the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 captivated audiences and resonated with people from all walks of life who lived through those difficult decades and informed a new generation of what life was like here in the 1990s.
"Netflix has taken this to a global audience and this exposure for our city and district has boosted tourism and inspired those who live here - young and old."
He said the show was the most watched series in Northern Ireland since modern records began in 2022, and described the finals episodes as "a masterpiece in explaining the difficult choices people had to make as this city, the wider island and its people transitioned from day t day bloody conflict to a more peaceful future."
He also noted how Lisa's other work, such as the BBC's BAFTA-nominated Being Human and The Deceived on Channel 5, are also highly regarded.
"This contribution to the arts makes her a worthy nominee for the Freedom of the City and follows in footsteps of previous recipients who have excelled in their field."
The nomination makes ms McGee the first female to be nominated for the Freedom of the City, which Reilly said is a "truly historic and special occasion."
"Through her work, people have seen the warmth and charm of our city, the sense of friendship, families pulling together and dealing with adversity - all delivered through various strong female viewpoints. She has created through her writing such a sense of civic pride and strong ‘state of mind’ of what being from Derry means.
"I’m delighted to put her forward as the first ‘Derry Girl’ recipient of the highest honour that the council can bestow," he finished.
Acknowledging the nomination on Twitter, Lisa said:
"What an absolute honour to be the first woman nominated. I’m thrilled to even be considered. Fingers crossed."
What an absolute honour to be the first woman nominated . I’m thrilled to even be considered . Fingers crossed 💕 https://t.co/yPSOJX82kc
— Lisa McGee (@LisaMMcGee) June 24, 2022
See More: Derry Girls, Lisa McGee, SDLP
