Northern Ireland

Derry Girls' Clare says huge mural is `so surreal'

A huge mural based on hit Channel 4 comedy show "Derry Girls" is attracting huge crowds in Derry city centre. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
A huge mural based on hit Channel 4 comedy show "Derry Girls" is attracting huge crowds in Derry city centre. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin A huge mural based on hit Channel 4 comedy show "Derry Girls" is attracting huge crowds in Derry city centre. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
By Seamus McKinney

DERRY Girl actor Nicola Coughlan has described a huge mural of the hit comedy show's cast as "surreal".

The mural on the gable wall of Badger's pub, was due to be completed last night.

Written by Derry woman Lisa McGee, the show aired last January. Based in troubles-era Derry, the Channel 4 show focuses on the hilarious antics of four teenage girls – Erin, Clare, Orla and Michelle – and Michelle’s English cousin, James.

It broke television comedy records as the most watched series in Northern Ireland since records began. A second series was commissioned.

The new mural, close to the city's Millennium Forum, has been created by UV Arts for Channel 4.

Derry Girls being immortalised on a Derry wall. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin 
Derry Girls being immortalised on a Derry wall. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin  Derry Girls being immortalised on a Derry wall. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin 

Mayor John Boyle said he was delighted with the success of the show. He said it shone a light on the city's culture and humour.

"This artwork is a real tribute to the cast which will no doubt be really well received by fans,” he said.

Galway actor, Nicola Coughlan, who plays Clare Devlin, took to Twitter to express her absolute shock at the huge mural, simply tweeting "madness".

She later followed-up, by saying: "Derry is painting us like one of their French Girls, so surreal."

The second series will be broadcast later this year.

Derry Girls being immortalised on a Derry wall. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin 
Derry Girls being immortalised on a Derry wall. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin  Derry Girls being immortalised on a Derry wall. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin 
The first series of Derry Girls was a hit. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin 
The first series of Derry Girls was a hit. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin  The first series of Derry Girls was a hit. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin 
 The second series of Derry Girls will be broadcast on Channel 4 in coming months. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
 The second series of Derry Girls will be broadcast on Channel 4 in coming months. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin  The second series of Derry Girls will be broadcast on Channel 4 in coming months. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Picture by Margaret McLaughlin 
Picture by Margaret McLaughlin  Picture by Margaret McLaughlin 
Artists from UV Arts at work on a painting of "Clare" from Derry girls on a huge mural on the gable end of a city centre bar in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Artists from UV Arts at work on a painting of "Clare" from Derry girls on a huge mural on the gable end of a city centre bar in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Artists from UV Arts at work on a painting of "Clare" from Derry girls on a huge mural on the gable end of a city centre bar in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin