Entertainment
TV presenter Charlie Bird dies aged 74 after motor neurone disease diagnosis-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro
Former RTÉ presenter Charlie Bird has died aged 74 (Picture: Fran Veale)
Former RTÉ presenter Charlie Bird has died aged 74.
He was diagnosed in 2021 with motor neurone disease, which he developed after experiencing problems with his voice.
At the time, he described the diagnosis as a ‘nightmare’ after making it public and explained he had lost two former RTÉ colleagues and friends to the disease.
In July last year, Bird shared his MND had progressed and ‘taken a turn for the worse.’
According to the NHS, MND is an an uncommon and terminal condition that affects the brain and nerves, causing weaknesses that get worse over time.
There’s no cure for MND, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person’s daily life, with some living with it for many years.
Since his diagnosis, Bird has been raising awareness of the condition and focusing on charity work.
Bird worked as a news correspondent at RTÉ, joining in 1972 as a researched before moving to the newsroom.
He reported on the likes of the Stardust fire in Dublin in 1981, when 48 people died at a nightclub, and was at the forefront of reporting of the events leading up to the Northern Ireland peace process in the 90s.
His final RTÉ broadcast was in August 2012, when he filled in for presenter Marian Finucane on Radio 1.
The National Union of Journalists has paid tribute to Bird, with secretary of the NUJ, Seamus Dooley, saying: ‘Although we have been expecting this news, it is still a moment of enormous sadness.
‘Supported by his wife Claire, Charlie lived his battle with motor neurone disease in the public gaze, with characteristic determination and searing honesty.
Bird was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2021 (Picture: PA)
‘The qualities he has manifested during his illness – grit, fierce determination and generosity of spirit – were the same qualities which marked Charlie Bird as a journalist.
‘He was passionate about news and had a unique ability to develop relationships. He was stubborn and relentless in pursuit of whatever he set out to achieve.
‘His life should not be defined by his illness but by the remarkable qualities he displayed in the face of adversity. He leaves a remarkable legacy.
‘In retirement from RTE he enjoyed the freedom to pursue new projects. His commitment to the marriage equality referendum campaign reflected his genuine interest in social justice.
‘I extend sympathy to Claire and to all who will miss Charlie, including so many NUJ colleagues and friends.
‘Charlie was a lifelong member of the NUJ and a former chair of Dublin broadcasting branch.’
In his final post on X on February 29, Bird wrote that he was ‘still hanging in’ and showed gratitude for carers across the country.
‘I want to extend the hand of friendship to all carers across the country. I now have first hand experience of the valuable work they do. I am still hanging in. And in April I will be leading a walk in Wicklow for all Samaritan volunteers. Details to follow,’ he said.
Days earlier, he shared that his ‘health has changed completely’ writing: ‘My heath has changed completely. I now have to be hoisted in and out of bed. I want to thank my neighbours and carers for all they are doing for me. I was honoured I was able to join the Stardust relatives yesterday marking the 43rd anniversary of that dreadful night.’
Bird is survived by his wife Claire, two daughters, five grandchildren and three brothers.
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.
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Former RTÉ presenter Charlie Bird has died aged 74 (Picture: Fran Veale)
Former RTÉ presenter Charlie Bird has died aged 74.
He was diagnosed in 2021 with motor neurone disease, which he developed after experiencing problems with his voice.
At the time, he described the diagnosis as a ‘nightmare’ after making it public and explained he had lost two former RTÉ colleagues and friends to the disease.
In July last year, Bird shared his MND had progressed and ‘taken a turn for the worse.’
According to the NHS, MND is an an uncommon and terminal condition that affects the brain and nerves, causing weaknesses that get worse over time.
There’s no cure for MND, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person’s daily life, with some living with it for many years.
Since his diagnosis, Bird has been raising awareness of the condition and focusing on charity work.
Bird worked as a news correspondent at RTÉ, joining in 1972 as a researched before moving to the newsroom.
He reported on the likes of the Stardust fire in Dublin in 1981, when 48 people died at a nightclub, and was at the forefront of reporting of the events leading up to the Northern Ireland peace process in the 90s.
His final RTÉ broadcast was in August 2012, when he filled in for presenter Marian Finucane on Radio 1.
The National Union of Journalists has paid tribute to Bird, with secretary of the NUJ, Seamus Dooley, saying: ‘Although we have been expecting this news, it is still a moment of enormous sadness.
‘Supported by his wife Claire, Charlie lived his battle with motor neurone disease in the public gaze, with characteristic determination and searing honesty.
Bird was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2021 (Picture: PA)
‘The qualities he has manifested during his illness – grit, fierce determination and generosity of spirit – were the same qualities which marked Charlie Bird as a journalist.
‘He was passionate about news and had a unique ability to develop relationships. He was stubborn and relentless in pursuit of whatever he set out to achieve.
‘His life should not be defined by his illness but by the remarkable qualities he displayed in the face of adversity. He leaves a remarkable legacy.
‘In retirement from RTE he enjoyed the freedom to pursue new projects. His commitment to the marriage equality referendum campaign reflected his genuine interest in social justice.
‘I extend sympathy to Claire and to all who will miss Charlie, including so many NUJ colleagues and friends.
‘Charlie was a lifelong member of the NUJ and a former chair of Dublin broadcasting branch.’
In his final post on X on February 29, Bird wrote that he was ‘still hanging in’ and showed gratitude for carers across the country.
‘I want to extend the hand of friendship to all carers across the country. I now have first hand experience of the valuable work they do. I am still hanging in. And in April I will be leading a walk in Wicklow for all Samaritan volunteers. Details to follow,’ he said.
Days earlier, he shared that his ‘health has changed completely’ writing: ‘My heath has changed completely. I now have to be hoisted in and out of bed. I want to thank my neighbours and carers for all they are doing for me. I was honoured I was able to join the Stardust relatives yesterday marking the 43rd anniversary of that dreadful night.’
Bird is survived by his wife Claire, two daughters, five grandchildren and three brothers.
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.
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