‘He had a word for everyone’ – Schools pay tribute to Charlie Bird as funeral details announced

BRACKLOON NS has paid tribute to the late Charlie Bird following his passing from Motor Neurone Disease.

This morning (Wednesday), the school said a prayer in memory of Mr Bird, who visited the school prior to his ‘Climb With Charlie’ fundraiser in April 2022.

Students from the school climbed Croagh Patrick ahead of him to cheer him on as he embarked on the long ascent with his wife, Claire, friends and hundreds of supporters.

Brendan Tunney, principal of the West Mayo school, described the former journalist as ‘a beacon of hope’ and extended his sympathies to Mr Bird’s family on behalf of the school.

“He was lovely on the visit and he was in great spirits. He had a word for everyone in the school, all the children and everything,” Mr Tunney told The Mayo News.

“He walked around the track and high-fived everyone around the track and the pitch.

We’re sorry to hear of his passing today. He put up such a great battle and gave so many people courage and strength who are facing similar illnesses and difficulties in their lives.

“He was a great beacon of hope to people and, at the same time, fighting a battle where he knew the end was going to bring him.”

Scoil Phádraig in Westport, who Mr Bird also visited, were also saddened to learn of his passing.

“We created wonderful memories with Charlie, Claire and Tiger during the Climb with Charlie Campaign in February 2022. May you continue to ‘walk with us in spirit Charlie’,” the school stated on Facebook.

This comes as funeral details for the much-loved ex-RTÉ reporter have been announced, beginning with a special service to celebrate his life on Thursday, March 14, in Dublin’s Mansion House.

His death notice, posted to RIP.ie, said he died peacefully yesterday in the wonderful care of Wicklow Hospice with his family at his side.

A book of condolence in memory of Mr Bird will also be open at Westport Town Hall today from 12pm.

Among those paying tribute to his memory have been Westport House, who described him as ‘a truly inspiring human whose life was a testament to dignity, courage, and the power of friendship’.

Local county councillor Brendan Mulroy also extended his sympathies to the family of Mr Bird, who he described as ‘an inspirational figure’.

He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Claire, loving daughters Orla and Neasa, little wingman Tiger, his sons-in-law Rob and Aidan, adored grandchildren Charlie, Hugo, Abigail, Harriet and Edward, his extended family, former colleagues and a wide circle of friends both at home and abroad.

Donations, if desired, can be made to Wicklow Hospice.