Former RTE correspondent Charlie Bird has died aged 74 after a long battle with motor neurone disease.

Mr Bird was chief news correspondent with RTE News until January 2009, before later retiring in 2012.

The veteran broadcaster reported on a range of the biggest stories, from the Northern Ireland peace process to the Stardust fire tragedy in 1981.

He would later speak vocally about his terminal diagnosis and helped raised over €3.3m (£2.8m) for charity during a campaign that saw him climb Croagh Patrick in 2022.

Seamus Dooley, Irish secretary of the National Union of Journalists, said: “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.

“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.

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“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.”

Mr Dooley added: “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.”

Mr Bird was prominent in reporting around the Northern Ireland peace process, and chosen as the Provisional IRA’s primary media contact in the 1990s.

After beginning his career decades prior, he made his final RTE broadcast in August 2012.

Nine years later he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, according to RTE, and he often spoke publicly about the condition.

In April 2022, thousands of people climbed mountains across Ireland in solidarity with him as a part of the ‘Climb with Charlie’ campaign, raising millions.

Paying tribute, Ireland’s deputy premier, Michael Martin, said that Mr Bird represented public service broadcasting in Ireland at its very best.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Bird, who inspired so many with the courage, generosity of spirit and dignity he faced his battle with motor neurone disease,” said the Tanaiste.

“As a journalist and broadcaster for RTE, Charlie had few peers, memorably covering national and international events such as the peace process, the September 11 attacks on New York, the Gulf War and the National Irish Bank scandal.

“Personable and engaging, Charlie always had the public interest at heart. He represented public service broadcasting in Ireland at its very best.

“Over the past few years, Charlie captured the public imagination, nurturing a true spirit of solidarity through his Croagh Patrick Climb With Charlie.

“His message of generosity, friendship and simply looking out for each other will long be remembered. My sincere condolences to his wife Claire, children, wider family and many friends and colleagues.”

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