Tributes paid to Charlie Bird

Former RTÉ broadcaster Charlie Bird has passed away at the age of 74.

Bird was a journalist with RTÉ for 40 years, covering news stories both in Ireland and abroad.

Bird covered a number of major national and international news stories such as the Stardust fire in 1981, the September 11th attacks in 2001, the St. Stephens’ Day tsunami which hit Asia in 2004 and the National Irish Bank tax scandal.

The Sandymount native was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2021, and became an advocate for various charities in causes in recent years.

Bird made headlines in 2022 for climbing Croagh Patrick in Mayo in 2022, raising over €2 million for charity in the process.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste paid tribute to Bird, saying “this is terribly sad news that we are all waking up to this morning, and I know the people of Dublin are thinking of Claire & his family.

For many people across the city, and indeed the country, Charlie Bird was the man on their TV screen who kept them up to date with many of the biggest news stories of the last 40 years.”

De Róiste said that Bird  bore his illness “extremely bravely.”

“There was no way he was going to retreat into his home and go quietly. Charlie made sure to squeeze every last drop out of life and was courageously campaigning right up to the end and extending the hand of friendship to everyone he met along the way. “

“I last met Charlie when he came to the Mansion House to take part in my own ‘Always Kind’ campaign. The campaign is dedicated to highlighting exceptionally kind individuals across our city and I can think of no better person to personify this virtue.”

He said he will be opening a Book of Condolences for Charlie at the Mansion House from today, and will announce the details of the online Book of Condolences in due course.

Very sad news of Charlie Bird’s passing..Here’s a few of my snaps from that epic day on Croagh Patrick in April 2022..RIP Charlie pic.twitter.com/VFkAF1lUbb

— Padraig O'Reilly Photographer (@padraig_reilly) March 12, 2024

Bird’s RTÉ colleague Ingrid Miley said “to the end, in his darkest days, he worked to help others and raise awareness of a terrible disease. My sincere condolences to his beloved Claire and Tiger, and all his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of Bird’s passing.

“He 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 RTÉ, Charlie had few peers.”

“Personable and engaging, Charlie had the public interest at heart, representing public service broadcasting at its very best.”

RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst paid tribute to Bird, saying he left “a unique legacy.”

“He was deeply empathetic and a gifted communicator which shone through in his news reports, major investigations and many documentaries. A supportive colleague to so many younger journalists, he was always generous with his time.”

His campaigning work, especially since his illness diagnosis has gone on to help so many others, as was Charlie’s selfless way.

He is survived by his wife Claire, daughters Orla and Nessa, grandchildren Abigail, Charlie, Edward, Harriet and Hugo, and his three brothers.