Charlie Bird dies at the age of 74

FORMER RTÉ journalist and campaigner Charlie Bird has died at the age of 74. 

Mr Bird raised millions for various causes close to his heart following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease. 

He was first diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2021 and undertook ‘Climb With Charlie’ in 2022, which coincided with numerous other climbs and walks throughout the world. 

Over €3 million was raised for Pieta and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association through the climb, where Mr Bird was joined by family members, friends and hundreds supporters who travelled from near and far to undertake the climb.

Upon reaching the summit, he and his wife Claire lit five candles in a private ceremony in the chapel on the Reek - one for everyone who has a terminal illness; one for people who are in a dark place and climbing their own mountain every day; one for the people of Ukraine; one for Covid frontline workers and one for campaigner Vicky Phelan, passed away from cervical cancer.

He also called on people to ‘extend the hand of friendship’ to those who are suffering.

“But today is not just about me, it is about everyone who has a terminal illness,” he told those gathered on the Reek. “After the last couple of years that we have all gone through with the pandemic we know that many people have their own personal mountains to climb every day.”

He retained a fond affection for West Mayo following Climb With Charlie and paid regular visits to area.

He also befriended many local people, including the local schoolchildren who threw their support behind his climb. 

In November, he paid a visit to Murrisk where he presented the community with a commemorative stone. 

Speaking to The Mayo News today (Monday), former Westport Parish Priest Fr Charlie McDonnell paid tribute to the bravery Mr Bird displayed during his illness.

“His legacy was really his determination; his determination to keep going until the end,” said Fr McDonnell.

“It was a journey for him. He didn’t give up. At no stage did he throw in the towel. At every stage he kept fighting as long as he could.”

Fr John Kenny, Parish Priest of Westport and Murrisk, said that Mr Bird’s campaign had captured ‘the hearts of communities across the country, the country and even further afield’.

“I think it’s a message that’s more important than ever, the hand of friendship’,” said Fr Kenny.

After his health declined severely, Mr Bird told his followers on X (formerly Twitter) that he was ‘still hanging in’ in his final post on the platform on February 29. 

Mr Bird first joined RTÉ in 1972 and enjoyed a 40-year career with the state broadcaster.

During that time he covered numerous national and international stories, including the Stardust disaster and the 9/11 Twin Towers attack in New York.

He later become involved in campaigning for the families of the victims of the Stardust disaster following his retirement from journalism.

His funeral details have yet to be announced.