Very sad news this morning, as it has been announced that Charlie Bird has died at the age of 74.
Bird became a household name in Ireland thanks to his work on RTE, where he was the chief news correspondent on RTE News for many years.
In 2021, he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and became a forthright campaigner for various charities despite his ailing health.
Last year, he achieved one of his 'final wish' ambitions by meeting his hero Bruce Springsteen when he played Dublin, and had determinedly remained in the public eye, updating followers on social media about his struggles with his disease despite losing the ability to talk.
His 'Climb with Charlie' hike of Croagh Patrick raised over €3 million for Irish charities, and spawned similar hikes in various countries around the world.
He had planned to lead a walk in Wicklow in April for Samaritan volunteers, according to his most recent social media post two weeks ago.
He died yesterday, March 11th, and is survived by his wife Claire, daughters Orla and Nessa, and five grandchildren.
See below for some of the tributes being paid to him on social media.
RIP.
