From Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch to Conor McGregor: Life as one of Ireland’s last courtroom artists

Ireland’s only active courtroom artist reflects on sketching notorious figures, human nature, and the strange intimacy of observing justice up close

Courtroom artist Mike O’Donnell at work in his studio in Tralee, Co Kerry. Picture: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

He was the prime suspect for two of the biggest armed robberies in Irish history.

However, one of Ireland’s only active courtroom artists got to see a very different side to Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch after visiting his home for a commission with a difference.