A SERVICE TO rejoice the lifetime of former RTÉ journalist and charity campaigner Charlie Bird, who died on Monday aged 74, will take place tomorrow at Dublin’s Mansion House.
The service will probably be held within the Round Room of the Mansion House at noon.
“Died peacefully in the wonderful care of Wicklow Hospice with his family at his side,” his dying discover on RIP.ie says.
“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. Remembering also Orla and Neasa’s late mother Mary,” it says.
President Michael D Higgins led tributes yesterday describing Bird as a “truly remarkable man driven by a deep sense of social justice”.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar mentioned Charlie Bird was a “hugely talented journalist and an inspirational person, who will be sadly missed” in an announcement at this time.
Speaking to reporters whereas within the US, Varadkar described Bird as a “genuinely special person”.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin mentioned he was deeply saddened by the information, lauding Bird’s “courage, generosity of spirit and dignity” whereas dealing with his sickness.
Bird, who retired from Montrose in 2012 as Chief News Correspondent, spent almost 4 many years reporting for RTÉ, having joined as a researcher in present affairs in 1974.
He moved to the information division in 1980.
One of the primary main tales he reported on was the Stardust tragedy through which 48 folks, most of them youngsters, had been killed on the Stardust disco in Dublin in 1981.
He reported on many main occasions all through the Troubles and the peace course of in Northern Ireland and for years was the purpose of contact between the broadcaster and the IRA.
In 1998, along with George Lee, he uncovered corrupt practices and tax evasion at National Irish Bank.
Later in his profession he took on the position of Washington Correspondent, earlier than returning to Ireland to cowl nationwide information.
He was recognized with Motor Neurone Disease in 2021, information he described as a “nightmare”.
He climbed Croagh Patrick in 2022 as a part of a nationwide marketing campaign, and later confirmed the initiative had raised over €3 million for the charities.
Lillian McGovern, chief of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, informed the News at One that the money Bird helped raised for the organisation was of “huge significance”.
“We employed another nurse around the country, we invested money in research and we worked with Charlie as to where the money went and people with MND truly, truly appreciate that practical help,” McGovern mentioned.
