Former iconic RTÉ journalist Charlie Bird dies following battle with illness

Former RTÉ journalist Charlie Bird has died at the age of 74 following a long battle with motor neurone disease (MND).

One of RTÉ's most renowned news correspondents, Charlie Bird reported on some of the biggest stories in Ireland and internationally during his 40-year career with the national broadcaster including the Stardust fire, the National Irish Bank tax avoidance scandal, the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Mr Bird joined RTÉ in 1972 to work as a researcher before later moving to the newsroom.

His final RTÉ broadcast was in August 2012 when he filled in as a presenter on the Marian Finucane show on RTÉ Radio 1.

Mr Bird was diagnosed with MND in October 2021. He spoke publicly about his illness on radio, TV and in the newspapers.

On April 2, 2022, thousands of people climbed peaks around Ireland and abroad in solidarity with Mr Bird as he made a personal pilgrimage up Croagh Patrick as part of a 'Climb with Charlie' campaign.

The campaign raised €3.4m for a number of charities including the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta.

Mr Bird died yesterday following his lengthy battle with MND.

He is survived by his wife Claire, daughters Orla and Nessa, grandchildren Abigail, Charlie, Edward, Harriet and Hugo, and his three brothers.