Actress Aoibhín Garrihy has spoken out about her decision to leave Fair City.

The Trinity graduate, who has played the role of Neasa Dillon for over three years now, is apparently eager to pursue other roles.

Aoibhín with her real mum and onscreen mum.

She told the Irish Mirror that it was a decision that didn’t go down well with those closest to her: “My mum has known for ages and now and she’s still not talking to me.

“I think at the start my family were like ‘Oh, but it’s a steady job. You can always do other things on the side while you have it.’ But they understand now and have been very supportive.”

The actress has been on the soap for the last three-and-a-half years.

Speaking about her last days with the cast, she revealed: “There were definitely tears on the last day of filming. We have so much fun together. I mean, they’re completely mad, but I love them all to bits.”

And now, Aoibhín is talking about trying to crack the States: “America is definitely on the cards for me. I hope to do a pilot season in LA in the New Year. It’s all up in the air at the moment. But you need to keep your options open and have your fingers in several pies.”