2010: SKETCHING MR RYAN - A TRIBUTE TO TUBS. Weekend Review, Irish Independent. 11th September 2010.
An attack on Ryan Tubridy has inspired a Waterford artist to come to his defence. Two weeks ago, the RTE star revealed how he had been kicked and physically assaulted by two thugs while walking down the street. Among those incensed was Waterford artist David Hennessy who has created a tribute to the man from Montrose. "In the last 12 months, Ryan Tubridy has taken on The Late Late Show. He's taken over Gerry Ryan's show for RTE on the radio. He comes across as the most self deprecating, charming soul and I think it only the lowest of the low who would set out to do him harm and hurt him in this way," Hennessy told The Diary.
The former financial services worker set to work with charcoal and canvas to create a large 2.5 x 4 feet likeness of Tubs. The picture has proved to be a rallying point for fans since it went on display in the window of Dublin's Balla Bán Art Gallery in the Westbury Shopping Mall.
Gallery owner Frank O'Dea told The Diary: "We had an incredible reaction to the portrait. It seems Ryan Tubridy is more likely to be mobbed by well-wishers on your average Irish street than roughted-up thugs."