Meet the Cork storyteller who entranced guests at Derry Girls star’s glam wedding

The actress wanted an unusual tradition for her big day

There are a few staples at every wedding: dancing, speeches, toasts – but have you ever been to a wedding with a storyteller on the bill?

Writer and historian Diarmuid Ó Drisceoil has been fascinated by the ancient Irish art of storytelling since he was a child, and now he performs at events all over Ireland – including the glamorous wedding of Derry Girls star Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Glasgow DJ Denis Sulta in Kerry last weekend.

Diarmuid, from Cork city, told CorkBeo that the wedding was unlike any gig he’d ever done before, but that he couldn’t say no after Saoirse-Monica Jackson – known to millions of fans as Derry Girl Erin Quinn – set out to find a gifted storyteller.

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“She wanted something to reflect her Irish heritage,” Diarmuid explained. “So she tracked me down!”

Diarmuid’s performances involve traditional folklore revitalised with a contemporary spin – with elements of stand-up keeping the audience in high spirits. “I did an hour on day two in the pavilion tent where they got married. With the atmosphere I felt quite at home. They seemed to be very pleased – Saoirse said afterwards that it was exactly what she wanted.”

For a performer that’s high praise indeed when your clients are an IFTA-nominated actress and a festival-playing DJ. The couple, who live in Liverpool, wanted their Irish and Scottish roots to be central to the ceremony, which involved groomsmen in kilts, lots of tartan and plenty of Guinness.

Derry Girls co-star Jamie-Lee O’Donnell was one of Saoirse’s bridesmaids, and the bride walked down the aisle to the show’s theme song, ‘Dreams’ by The Cranberries, covered live by Limerick group Biird.

Speaking to Vogue, Saoirse said that the incredible three-day event was like something “from a movie”.

As well as having Diarmuid entrance the crowd with stories on day two, the wedding ceremony was ordained by Dingle-based humanist celebrant Billy Mag Fhloinn, who incorporates Irish folklore into his own work – and even organises pagan raves.

For Diarmuid, the interest in folk tales started early. He said: “Growing up I had seven siblings, and we all had to learn to speak up for ourselves!” Diarmuid’s father was from Cape Clear, and on childhood trips to the West Cork island Diarmuid got a taste for the tradition of sharing stories – and he would go on to study folklore at college.

Now Diarmuid engages with a number of storytelling groups in Cork, including the Gab, the Cork Yarn Spinners and the Grapevine in Kinsale. He’s been busy this weekend telling tales at the Cork on a Fork festival, and he says he’s noticed a big increase in the number of young people interested in storytelling.

“It’s reaching a younger demographic. I think they want something real – and there’s nothing more real than good storytelling.”

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