In his relationship with son Ronan, and later his children with Sorcha, Ross probably exhibits his most endearing characteristics and, despite his general incompetence and irresponsible behaviour, proves himself to be surprisingly good father.

"[5] Declan Lynch called The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightdress a "literary triumph" and "hilarious" in the Irish Independent, noting that many shops were displaying the book next to rugby player Brian O'Driscoll's A Year In The Centre.

[6] The Irish Independent's "PS" column wrote that it "manages not only to be side splittingly funny but also the most accurate and vicious satire on the loathsome, vacuous pond life who make up so much of Dublin 4.

"[7] In The Irish Times, Thomas Cooney wrote that "While the joke may not be as fresh as it once was, it still possesses enough punch to elicit a laugh-out-loud response," and that "For those on the outside there is plenty to laugh at, while for those finding themselves relating to and recognising much of Ross's existence, the book takes on a worrying meaning all of its own.

"[8][9] Ross's popularity at the time of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightdress's release led to a "shrine" in his honour being erected in the VIP area of 21, a new nightclub on D'Olier Street, Dublin.