Hall’s Pictorial Weekly in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath, Ireland 1978

Scenes from the town of Kinnegad in County Westmeath.

The opening sequence for this episode of ‘Hall’s Pictorial Weekly’ features the town of Kinnegad in County Westmeath, on the border with County Meath. The film opens on the main road through the town, which is initially deserted, apart from an old man crossing the street carrying a tin of paint.

Gradually the town springs to life with people going about their daily business. Many of Kinnegad’s inhabitants wave at the camera, although a few of them eye it with suspicion.

This episode of ‘Hall’s Pictorial Weekly’ was broadcast on 25 January 1978. The producer/director is John Condon. The footage shown here is mute.

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 own 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.