Off Camera: Images from the Early Years of RTÉ Television

The School Around the Corner
1962
Photographer: Roy Bedell
© RTÉ Stills Library

A young camera operator on 'The School Around the Corner' in 1962.

'The School Around the Corner' was presented by schoolteacher Paddy Crosbie who chatted with young children on the show. Originally a radio programme, it transferred to television in 1962 where it ran on Sunday nights until 1967. The writer, James Plunkett produced the programme during this period.

The Beatles with RTÉ cameraman Bill Robinson
1963
Photographer: Roy Bedell
© RTÉ Stills Library

The Beatles with RTÉ cameraman Bill Robinson at the Gresham Hotel, Dublin on 7 November 1963.

The Beatles were at the Gresham Hotel to record an interview with broadcaster Paul Russell, for an edition of the Telefis Éireann programme 'The Showband Show'. The Beatles played two evening concerts at the Adelphi Cinema on Abbey Street during their Dublin visit, where they were greeted by hordes of screaming fans.

Eoin Ó Suilleabháin in 'Insurrection'
1963
Photographer: Eddie McEvoy
© RTÉ Stills Library

Eoin Ó Súilleabháin as Patrick Pearse, looking at the burning GPO set.

'Insurrection' a drama series, made to mark the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising, was a major undertaking by RTÉ. Written by Hugh Leonard, it was broadcast in eight half-hour parts on consecutive nights over Easter Week 1966. The interior of the GPO was reconstructed (and burned) in RTÉ's Studio 1.

Nelson's Pillar, O'Connell Street
Dublin
1966
Photographer: Roy Bedell
© RTÉ Stills Library

Nelson's Pillar from the roof of the GPO in O'Connell Street, shortly after the bomb explosion which partially destroyed it on 8 March 1966. RTÉ had radio studios in the GPO until 1973 and the roof of the building was a popular location for RTÉ publicity shots.

Wanderly Wagon
1969
Photographer: Roy Bedell
© RTÉ Stills Library

'Wanderly Wagon' cast surrounded by young fans in the
grounds of RTÉ in 1969.

This photograph, taken for the 'RTÉ Guide', shows Bill Golding as Rory (see full size image), Nora O'Mahony as Godmother and Eugene Lambert as O'Brien. 'Wanderly Wagon' ran on RTÉ from 1967 to 1982 – the original wagon can now be seen at the National Museum, Collins Barracks, Dublin.

Muhammad Ali with Cathal Shannon
1969
Photographer: Tom Holton
© RTÉ Stills Library

Muhammad Ali is interviewed by broadcaster Cathal O'Shannon in RTÉ's Studio 1 on 17 July 1972.

RTÉ Photographer Tom Holton recalled how the charisma of Ali could be felt as soon as he entered the room. In spite of his fame, he was a warm and gentle man who stayed well after the television recording, chatting and signing autographs for the crew. The interview was broadcast as 'Muhammad Ali v Cathal O'Shannon' on 18 July 1972 with John Condon as producer/director. Ali was in Dublin for a fight with Al 'Blue' Lewis at Croke Park on 19 July - Ali won the fight.