‘This show means the world to me’: Derry Girls cast pay tribute to series as it ends after four years

Creator Lisa McGee and stars including Nicola Coughlan and Saoirse-Monica Jackson have waved goodbye to the beloved comedy

Thursday 19 May 2022 04:56 EDT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The cast of Derry Girls have been posting emotional tributes to the show that launched their careers, following its last ever episode.

The beloved Channel 4 sitcom drew to a close on Wednesday night (18 May) with an extended episode set one year on from the events of season three episode six, on the eve of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement referendum. Many viewers have praised the episode for teaching them more about The Troubles than their history lessons at UK schools did.

Commemorating the show’s final episode, Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee posted a picture of the Agreement on Instagram, signed by Tony Blair, Bertie Ahern, Mo Mowlam, David Andrews and more.

The agreement was signed in Northern Ireland on 10 April 1998. It effectively brought an end to The Troubles, which had raged in the region for 30 years, and established a cross-community consensus for peace and the future direction of the region.

Nicola Coughlan, who played the constantly hysterical Clare in the show, posted a selfie on Instagram, with the caption: “It’s impossible to put into words what Derry Girls has meant to me and how much it’s changed my life so I won’t even try. Thank you all so much to you all, what an honour it’s been.”

Saoirse-Monica Jackson wrote about how Derry Girls was a “huge break” for her, adding that working with McGee has “changed my life”. The actor, who played headstrong protagonist Erin, added: “This show means the world to me, thank you for every beautifully crafted word and thank you for giving my beautiful hometown it’s truest voice.”

See all the tributes below.