“On a weekend where we bring Ireland to the world, we’d like to take a moment to remember the man who brought the world to so many living rooms here in Ireland for so many years.”
Patrick Kielty and The Late Late Show paid an incredibly emotional tribute to legendary journalist Charlie Bird following his death earlier this week at the age of 74.
Mr. Bird passed away on Monday, 11 March after having been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2021.
Following his diagnosis, the journalist and broadcaster had provided updates to the public on social media and through appearances on the Late Late regarding his condition.
“On a weekend where we bring Ireland to the world, we’d like to take a moment to remember the man who brought the world to so many living rooms here in Ireland for so many years,” Late Late host Kielty said on Friday’s show (15 March).
“Earlier this week, we said goodbye to the brilliant Charlie Bird, a man who told us the news and whose journey the past few years became the news and inspired us all.”
The programme than aired a montage, featuring moments throughout Mr. Bird’s career.
During his 40-year career with RTÉ, 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.
Also included in the montage was footage shot when the journalist climbed Croagh Patrick in 2022 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.
The Late Late montage was set to the Bruce Springsteen song ‘Land of Hope and Dreams” as Mr. Bird was a huge fan of Springsteen and actually met the singer last May when he played in Ireland.
A photo of this meeting was included in the video tribute.
“Tonight, everyone on the Late Late Show would like to send our condolences to [Charlie’s wife] Claire, his daughters Orla and Neasa and to all of Charlie’s family,” Kielty then added.
“We’d like to honour him now with one of his favourite songs.”
Various classical musicians then performed a beautiful rendition of ‘On Raglan Road’.
Read more:
- “I’m going to miss you so much” – Charlie Bird’s wife pays beautiful tribute at service
- Tributes flood in for Charlie Bird after broadcasting legend dies
- Legendary journalist Charlie Bird has died at the age of 74
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