Ryan over the moon with Baby Tubs

RTÉ broadcaster Ryan Tubridy has become a “dad” again extending his lineage to support a Co Cork cancer charity.

The father-of-two has now adopted a bovine baby, also called Tubridy, whose birth on the Youghal farm of Nicholas and Elaine Flavin was broadcast live on his 2FM morning show.

And the presenter joked how the offspring’s remarkable resemblance to his new father was undeniable. “Young Tubridy is the cut of his old man,” beams the garrulous dad. “All the family features are there: long face, notable ears and a constant sound coming from his large mouth.”

The two Turbidys will meet for the first time in Dungarvan on Feb 25 when the Youghal Cancer Support Group holds a livestock auction to help build a support and drop-in centre in the east Cork town.

After broadcasting his morning show from the town square, the presenter will hoof it to Dungarvan Mart to put Baby Tubs under the hammer.

“It’s a shame I have to farm him out but I have no doubt that his next dad will look after him and help raise money for a good cause along the way,” says the Late Late Show host.

Reports that the BBC intend to submit a strong bid could not be confirmed...

The auction is also being supported by comedians Martin Coffey of Bachelors in Trouble and D’Unbelievables’ Jon Kenny. “We are delighted with such high-profile support and we sincerely thank them all, along with the generous farmers of east Cork and west Waterford and all who are helping us,” says Youghal Cancer Support Group founder Therese O’Connell.

The support centre will aim to assist those affected directly and indirectly by cancer, while alleviating the stress of travelling to more distant urban centres. Plans include provision of information, transport, social events and qualified counselling.

A holistic approach is also envisaged to include massage, meditation, yoga and alternative therapies, to operate in conjunction with medical treatments.

A farmers’ committee has been registering contributions a in recent weeks. Chairman, Anthony O’Driscoll said the response had been “absolutely unbelievable” with dozens of farmers donating either an animal or money.