Tubridy's illustrated JFK book draws a real crowd

Ryan Tubridy with pupils from the Central Model School at the launch of ‘Patrick and the President’. Photo: Gerry Mooney

With the help of hordes of screaming school children, broadcaster Ryan Tubridy launched his picture book 'Patrick and the President'.

Set around the visit of John F Kennedy to Ireland in 1963, the story is told through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy, Patrick.

The book has been illustrated by Children's Laureate PJ Lynch.

Tubridy hopes the book will spark children's interest in history.

The TV host is flying to America this weekend to promote the book in New York and Boston.

At the launch, Tubridy spoke about how much he loved working on the book.

Joe Duffy and Rachel Tubridy. Photo: Doug O'Connor

He also spoke about 'The 'Late Late Show's' controversial decision to invite gang boss John Gilligan on the programme.

"He's utterly irrelevant to me and he's not going to be on 'The Late Late Show', so conversation over," the host said.

Irish Independent