Maria Oxley Boardman, who plays Dearbhla Dillon in Fair City, talks to Julie Lordan about life in the long-running soap, her love of acting, and how her own life is far removed from Carrigstown drama.
There is a vulnerability about Dearbhla Dillon in Fair City that makes viewers wish her well, but also a toughness that means she will prevail – she can well look after herself. Dearbhla is now dealing with a wayward brother, Zak (Stephen O'Leary), a relationship with Gar (Shane Quigley-Murphy) and some awkward clashes with Gar’s birth mother, Joan (Nonie Stapleton).
There’s also friction with her housemate and landlady, Zoe (Lauren Kinsella); all this while still coming to terms with the murder of her boyfriend Cian, Gar’s brother. Not at all complex so!
Unsurprising then, that Maria Oxley Boardman loves the role and the meaty drama of it all. She understands her character intimately, the dynamics of her relationship with Gar in particular. Gar and Dearbhla have a solid relationship. Of course they’re still figuring things out but they’re mad about each other! We love to see it. Her last relationship was with Cian where there were a lot of mind games and deception. And he completely shattered her trust in others after he drugged her," says Maria.
Well, the fact that Dearbhla had a one-night stand with Alex (Adam Karim) doesn’t bode well for a happy ever after. Maria can see why Dearbhla would want to move on from that dumpster fire and not have to explain anything to Gar. "It’s easier for her to avoid discussing it altogether than open a can of worms by mentioning what happened with Alex. The past is in the past."
But this being Carrigstown, nothing stays secret forever and Gar soon knows all the details. "When Gar finds out about Alex he doesn’t make a big deal about it. Dearbhla’s a bit suspicious of this because unfortunately, a kind and reasonable response like his is unfamiliar to her," explains Maria.
"She doesn’t have any romantic feelings for Alex but she’s very fond of him as a friend. After they got together she was mortified to be on the receiving end of Melanie’s anger and when Alex was angling for something more Dearbhla did everything she could to deter him."
Maria has no complaints about the ups and downs of her character’s life and isn’t sure if it is going to change any time soon for Dearbhla. As an actor, she’s pretty sure she doesn’t want it to. I don’t know if it’s in Dearbhla’s nature to settle down, she’s her father’s daughter as she has proved time and time again. Ah I love the drama and Dearbhla is never too far from it. I enjoy the dynamics of Dearbhla, Gar and Joan, and then her own family drama with Tommy [Geoff Minogue] and Zak is always great!" says Maria.
Dearbhla’s living arrangements are also a source of stress. "She’s used to her freedom and cheap rent. Living under Zoe’s rule was not something she signed up for and now it’s something she can’t escape. And when Kelly and Alex are thrown into the mix it’s all a bit much. I’m interested to see how long she’ll stick it."
Life for Maria couldn’t be more different to Dearbhla’s. "I’m from Westmeath. I have three siblings, who are all very inspirational and great fun. I always did drama and dance as a child but I didn’t consider it a career option until later. Trips to the video shop were a highlight when we were young. If we didn’t get in there early enough we’d be devastated that our favourites (The Mighty Ducks and Cool Runnings) were gone and then the democratic difficulties of choosing only two films between us would begin! I remember the first film I watched on my own. My Girl. My brothers were too young to watch it so I saw it in the middle of the day on a Saturday with the curtains pulled while they played outside. It was the first time I was deeply affected by a film," recalls Maria.
Maria didn’t pursue a performance career until after college, where she got a degree in pharmacy. She has a successful pharmacy career and has worked as a sought after model. "I still enjoy both but acting is my priority. I love it and I would love it to be a lifelong career. I’m delighted that Dearbhla has been so busy in Carrigstown this year!"
Maria got married seven months ago and is determined to keep life with her new husband private. She describes her idyllic wedding as a wonderful celebration. "Oh yes! That was on New Year’s Eve! It was such a good day to get married, there were sequins and sparkles, we had trad (music) at the ceremony, an amazing pre dinner spread from my favourite Assassination Custard and everyone was dying for a party! We had the reception at La Maison in Dublin. Giorgio and Leanne and all the staff blew us away with the food and the service and they made everything so special. My little sister made our cake and our friend DJed. I’d do it every New Year’s Eve if I could," she enthuses.
In her free time away from the soap, Maria loves nothing better than spending time in one of her favourite places, Co Clare, no matter the weather. "We’ve had a great summer in Ireland spending time with our families and friends. I’ve spent a bit of time in Co. Clare, god it’s a gorgeous place. I’m a big fan of the mobile sauna, Sauna Suimhneas, which pulls up at Clahane and White Strand. I like a dip in the sea but this makes it more appealing!"
In the unlikely case that she ever gave up acting, Maria says she wouldn’t say no to a career in dancing. She laughs. "I was at the Willie Clancy festival and have brought home huge ambitions of becoming a set dancer. I cannot explain to you how much fun everyone was having at the céilís down there, it was infectious. I’ll have to get some lessons before next year, because what I remembered from the Gaeltacht did not cut it.
"I don’t go on regular hikes but when I do, I love a long walk. A couple of years ago we walked The Kerry Way over nine days which was sensational. This year we walked The Burren Way, a five day trail, and stayed in the loveliest of BnBs. We had rain and sunshine and lightning along the way and it was magic. The Irish landscape will always take my breath away," says Maria.
Staying in the west, Maria was at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh. She says she was truly impressed by what was on offer. "I was blown away, as usual, by the films I saw. We really are an island of brilliant storytellers," she says, "I love the cinema and watching films and TV. I’ve finally gotten around to the newest season of Happy Valley," she says.
Maria rounds off our chat by reiterating how much she has enjoyed the last four years in Fair City. "It was my first job. Time flies when you’re having fun. I do get recognised. It’s great to meet the people who watch the show, sure where would we be without them! I had a funny encounter recently where a tour guide stopped me to introduce me to to her American tour group. It was like 'here’s Merrion Square, here’s Leinster House, here’s an actress from Fair City!!’ I’ve met people who tune in from all around the world. And I met someone recently who said they watch it now because their mother loved it and it makes them feel connected to her. I thought that was really lovely."
