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Belfast Live
National
Shaun Keenan

Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee to be nominated for Freedom of the City

Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee is to be nominated for the Freedom of the City.

SDLP councillor Martin O'Reilly is to nominate the award-winning writer in what would see her become the first female to receive the honour.

It's understood that the Waterside councillor has already submitted the proposal to Derry City and Strabane District Council.

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Speaking about the nomination, Cllr Reilly said that Ms McGee had brought "so much joy and civic pride to our city".

He said: "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 ‘Derry Girls’ school teenagers on Channel 4 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.

"The final episodes of this series are a masterpiece in explaining the difficult choices people had to make as this city, the wider island and its people transitioned from day to day bloody conflict to a more peaceful future."

Cllr 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.

"The fact that Lisa is the first female to be nominated for the Freedom of the City in our city is truly a historic and special occasion," he added.

"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."

The proposal will come before Derry and Strabane councillors at a meeting on Thursday, June 30.

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