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12th March 2024
10:13am GMT
Legendary journalist and broadcaster Charlie Bird has died at the age of 74 after having been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2021.
RTÉ News, who Mr. Bird worked for during his career, report that he passed away on Monday, 11 March.
During his 40-year career with the national broadcaster, Mr. Bird reported on some of the most major stories in Ireland and internationally, such as the Stardust fire, the Northern Ireland peace process, the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami.
Described by RTÉ as one of its "most renowned news correspondents", he retired from the broadcaster in August 2012.
In 2021, Mr Bird was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and later made headlines for climbing Croagh Patrick in order to raise money for Pieta and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
The initial fundraising goal was €1 million though the campaign went on to raise over over €3.6 million.
Mr Bird had provided updates on social media to the public regarding his condition following his diagnosis and had recently reiterated a call to his followers to continue to support his wife Claire and dog Tiger after his death.
Last year I asked when I pass would you keep supporting Claire and Tiger with extending the hand of friendship to people in dark places. I got a great response.Where I am now in my journey,I want to repeat the call. I love you all 💕❤️
— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) February 18, 2024
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