Hall’s Pictorial Weekly in Kells, Co. Meath, Ireland 1974

Kells and the people of the town are the stars of the opening sequence for ‘Hall’s Pictorial Weekly’. The heritage town of Kells (Ceanannus Mór in Irish) is located in the heart of the Boyne Valley in County Meath. Scenes from everyday life are caught by the film crew as people in the town go about their business including a Garda with his bicycle. Well known Kells landmarks, the Celtic Cross and the Headfort Arms Hotel are also featured. Once a week from June to September, the ‘Hall’s Pictorial Weekly’ film crew would arrive at a town or village in any county in Ireland. They would film the people and the place and return to RTÉ where the footage was edited and put to music. This short film of around one minute’s duration formed part of the opening sequence for that week’s episode. As it was not advertised as part of the television billings in the RTÉ Guide or newspapers, people watched in the hope it was the turn of their town or village to have its moment of fame. Frank Hall’s amusing and satirical series began on 29 September 1971 with the full title ‘Hall’s Pictorial Weekly Incorporating the Provincial Vindicator’ which became known as ‘Hall’s Pictorial Weekly’. The series allowed Frank Hall to follow his interest in the lives of viewers throughout the country. Regarded as RTÉ’s flagship comedy show, it featured satirical sketches on current news stories and popular culture, as well as parody songs, comedy sketches, re-edited videos, cartoons and spoof television formats. The show ran for nine series until 1980. This episode of ‘Hall’s Pictorial Weekly’ was broadcast on 16 May 1974.