Charlie Bird remembered as 'heroic and tireless' during Mansion House memorial service
Family, friends and colleagues of the former RTÉ journalist and charity campaigner addressed the public service this afternoon
Loved ones, colleagues and faithful pets of Charlie Bird gathered at the Mansion House in Dublin for a special public service honoring his life.
The 74-year-old passed away on Monday, March 11, following his long battle with motor-neuron disease.
He dedicated himself to raising awareness since his diagnosis in October 2021, and spoke publicly about it in the media.
Charlie's friend and former RTÉ colleague Joe O'Brien lead the service and gave a reflection on his life, speaking to the "national outpouring of grief" at his friend's passing, and hailed him as "a heroic fundraiser and campaigner".
The remains of the late charity campaigner and former RTÉ broadcaster were carried in a wicker coffin into the Round Room of the Mansion House this Thursday afternoon, followed by his widow Claire Mould, his family and his beloved dog Tiger.
His five grandchildren presented mementos reflective of their grandfather's life at the start of the event, and read prayers during the service.
These included the staff he used on his climb of Croagh Patrick almost two years ago, rosary beads he was given by singer Daniel O’Donnell, which are to buried with him on Inis Oírr on the Aran Islands, and a family photograph.
Speaking during the service, his widow Claire said there was "never a dull moment" with 'Bird', and it was his zest for life that made her fall in love with him.
"I love you Bird, and I’m going to miss you so much," she said, joined on the stage by the couple's beloved dog Tiger.
Claire also paid tribute to Charlie's daughters from his first marriage, Orla and Nessa, thanking them for their love and support.
Orla and Nessa also addressed the gathering in their father's honour with Orla sharing memories of a loving childhood in Bray that was permanently intertwined with "an extraordinary career".
Nessa shared her father's devastation at his MND diagnosis, and described how in choosing to deal with it publicly he "left a legacy of hope, courage, purpose and determination".
"Dad loved and was beloved and that is the measure of a life well lived."
A number of former and current RTÉ staff, who had worked with Charlie over his long career at the national broadcaster, spoke during the service, including ex-radio presenter Sean O'Rourke, former chief news editor Ray Burke, and Series Editor TV News Dympna Moroney.
Reflections were also heard from LGBT+ rights activist Karl Hayden and Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lt General Sean Clancy
Stardust fire campaigner Antoinette Keegan also spoke, in honour of Charlie's long-time support of the families of those who died in the fire at the Stardust night club in Dublin in 1981 since covering the story as a reporter at the time.
The service was open to the public, but numbers were restricted.
Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and former EU Commissioner Ray McSharry were in attendance, along with former colleagues of Mr Bird, including Eileen Dunne, Miriam O'Callaghan, David McCullagh and Joe Little.
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst and other senior executives from the broadcaster were also in attendance.
President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar were represented by their aide-de-camps.
Following the service, members of the public were given the opportunity to sympathise with his family at the Mansion House, with books of condolence also available for people to sign.