Former RTÉ news correspondent Charlie Bird has passed away, aged 74.
The iconic reporter died yesterday following his lengthy battle with motor neurone disease.
Since his diagnosis in October 2021, Charlie has raised €3.4m for charities including the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta through the ‘Climb for Charlie’ campaign.
Donegal’s Daniel O’Donnell was among the thousands of people who climbed Croagh Patrick alongside Charlie in 2022, and has been a close friend of his during his illness.
Charlie’s journalism career saw him reporting from the frontlines of Irish politics over decades. He was involved in coverage of the Stardust tragedy, the IRA ceasefires, the NIB scandal, the election of Mary Robinson as first female President and the Marriage Equality Referendum.
Charlie is survived by his wife Claire, daughters Orla and Nessa, grandchildren Abigail, Charlie, Edward, Harriet and Hugo, and his three brothers.
Tánasite Micheál Martin has led the tributes, saying “Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Bird, who inspired so many with the courage, generosity of spirit and dignity he faced his battle with Motor neurone disease. As a journalist and broadcaster for RTE, Charlie had few peers.”
“He memorably covered national & international events such as the Peace Process, the Sept 11 attacks, the Gulf War, and the National Irish Bank scandal. Personable and engaging, Charlie had the public interest at heart, representing public service broadcasting at its very best.
“Recently, Charlie captured the imagination, nurturing a true spirit of solidarity through his ‘Climb With Charlie’. His message of generosity, friendship, and simply looking out for each other will long be remembered. My condolences to Claire, his children, family, and friends.”
