Journalist Charlie Bird dies aged 74

Journalist and broadcaster Charlie Bird has died aged 74.

The former RTÉ news correspondent had been diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2021, and continued to actively campaign for number of charities in spite of his ill health – raising over €3.6m for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and mental health charity Pieta House through his Croagh Patrick hike, ‘Climb with Charlie’.

During his career he became a mainstay on television screens, notably covering the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the 1981 Stardust Fire - later becoming a campaigner for survivors and families of victims of the disaster.

His reportage also extended to major world events, from the  9/11 attacks in New York to the Haiti earthquake in 2010.

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.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 12, 2024

A number of tributes have been paid to the late journalist on social media this morning.

“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,” said Tánaiste Micheál Martin on social media.  “As a journalist and broadcaster for RTE, Charlie had few peers.”

“Such sad news,” said Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik on X.  “Charlie Bird was an inspirational person, a journalist of great integrity who faced his illness with immense courage. Every sympathy with his family and friends.”

In 2022 Bird was named Hot Press’ ‘Hero of The Year’. In a special interview with our editor Niall Stokes, he discussed everything from his love of music, charity work, living with illness, life as a broadcaster and more. Read the full feature here.