Journalist Charlie Bird has died at the age of 74 following a battle with motor neurone disease, during which he raised funds and awareness of the condition through high-profile campaigns, raising €3.4 million for charities including the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta.
The former RTÉ reporter said he had chosen to be an active campaigner for charities despite his ill health, because he sought to “extend the hand of friendship to those in dark places”.
He is survived by his wife Claire, daughters Orla and Nessa, grandchildren Abigail, Charlie, Edward, Harriet and Hugo, and his three brothers.
Seamus Dooley, the Irish Secretary of the National Union of Journalists, said Mr Bird’s life “should not be defined by his illness”.
He said: “Supported by his wife Claire, Charlie lived his battle with Motor Neurone Disease in the public gaze, with characteristic determination and searing honesty.
“The qualities he has manifested during his illness – grit, fierce determination and generosity of spirit, were the same qualities which marked Charlie Bird as a journalist.”
One of the first significant reports Mr Bird undertook was on the Stardust Fire in Artane in 1981, and families of the victims of the fire paid tribute to him today.
“He was part of our family and he was always there for us. After my mother passed away in July 2020 he was one of the first people to ring me to pass his condolences over. He was very close to us all and really close to my mother and myself. We’re just devastated,” Antoinette Keegan, who lost two sisters in the blaze, told the Claire Byrne Show on RTÉ this morning.
The Irish Examiner shared that Daniel O’Donnell, who joined Charlie Bird on his charity walk up Croagh Patrick mountain in Co Mayo in 2022, also paid tribute to the former journalist.
Prior to his death, Bird revealed he always carried a set of rosary beads that O’Donnell had once given him and that he wanted to have the beads in his hand when he died.
“I felt so grateful that I did what I did,” O’Donnell said of giving Mr Bird the rosary beads.
“You know, I wasn’t trying to push religion on him or anything. It was just something that was important to me that I could give to him, hoping that he would get strength from it. I just never imagined that it would mean so much to him. I know it did because that he told me every time we talked and, in latter times, texted because that’s all the way we could communicate.”
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
Sarah O’Toole, Executive Director for Samaritans Ireland, said: “Charlie Bird showed incredible strength and courage throughout his illness. He will be remembered forever as a leading light for charitable organisations across Ireland, including Samaritans, for which his passion was formidable.
“Following the success of Climb with Charlie, Charlie decided to raise awareness for several other organisations including Samaritans. He often said he chose Samaritans as he found himself in a dark place following his diagnoses with MND (Motor Neuron Disease) and he wanted people to know that support is available, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone who is struggling to cope.
“Over the last 18 months Charlie, along with his wife Claire and faithful companion Tiger, was an amazing supporter of Samaritans’ work and, more importantly, our volunteers.
“He raised the profile of Samaritans, encouraged anyone in need to reach out for help, and supported Samaritans’ volunteers across Ireland at various events, including leading a Hand of Friendship walk in Avondale Forest Park, Co Wicklow, last April.
“Only two weeks ago Charlie announced plans to lead volunteers on another walk in Wicklow this April, which we were all looking forward to it.
“On behalf of Samaritans volunteers and staff across Ireland, I want to send our heartfelt condolences to Claire and the Bird family on their loss and let them know they are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Charlie’s work and legacy will never be forgotten.”