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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Shaun Keenan

Four Derry women to star in new documentary reflecting on their 90s school years

Four Derry women are set to star in a new BBC NI documentary about their former school.

The success of the hit sitcom Derry Girls and its take on teen antics in the 1990s has generated international interest in all that is unique about the people of Derry City.

The Four Derry Girls, which has been produced by Dearcán Media for BBC Gaeilge, has been supported by Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund.

Read more: NI city to be reimagined with outdoor seating, road closures and dining areas

It follows four former pupils of Thornhill College, which is the inspiration for the fictional girls’ school in the Derry Girls’ series, and alma mater of creator and writer Lisa McGee.

Ciara Ní Lochlainn, Claire Nic Ruairí, Mary Durkan and Mary Nic Ailín will reminisce on their memories of growing up in Derry and their love of the Irish language.

The past pupils fondly recall being afraid to miss out on a day’s craic at the school, the teachers that inspired them along the way, and the life-long friendships established.

We hear of their fondness of trips to the Gaeltacht, their awareness of the emotionally-charged political change taking place around them, in addition to being able to vote for the first time and the historical visit of President Bill Clinton to Derry in 1995.

The former pupils explore their own experiences of life at school and in the city during the 1990s and reveal how it has shaped them today.

Colleen Beattie, Producer of the programme said: “I feel very proud to have worked on this programme, and it’s definitely been very nostalgic for all of us, both contributors and crew alike.

"The four girls themselves have been fantastic in helping us bring the stories of the 90s to life, and we were very fortunate to have great help from Thornhill College in sourcing some wonderful archive photos and footage.

"Hopefully we have managed to capture some of the spirit of that era.

Ceathrar Cailíní Dhoire (The Four Derry Girls) will be broadcast on BBC Two Northern Ireland, Monday 13 June at 10pm and on BBC iPlayer.

Read more: New mural of Derry City legend James McClean unveiled

Read more: Charity gets funding to help 'transform' people recovering from addiction

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